Oni-hito-kuchi (The Oni-One-Bite)

The woodblock print depicts a large, clawed hand of an oni reaching down toward a refined woman wearing layered traditional court robes. The oni's hand is textured with fine lines suggesting hair, while its sharp, hooked talons are poised aggressively. Below, a partially open folding fan lies on the ground near grass or bamboo shoots, suggesting a sudden interruption of a romantic or courtly encounter. The composition focuses on the contrast between the grotesque, supernatural hand and the delicate, patterned textiles of the woman’s garments.

This image illustrates the 'Oni-hito-kuchi' (Demon-One-Bite) legend, which originates from the 'Ise Monogatari' (Tales of Ise), where a demon abducts a woman by swallowing her whole. It is a canonical example of Japanese folklore concerning the intersection of romantic pursuit and supernatural danger.