The Old Man and the Devils: The Oni Dancing

This woodblock print depicts a scene from the Japanese folktale 'Kobutori Jiisan' (The Old Man with the Lump). A central pillar of wispy, light-colored smoke rises from a fire, separating a group of oni sitting on the ground. The oni to the left has red skin and a single horn, pointing its right hand forward. Other oni exhibit diverse features, including elongated snouts, sharp teeth, and varied skin tones, wearing traditional Japanese-style tunics. They are positioned outdoors near a large tree trunk under a pale moon, with expressions of surprise or excitement directed toward the smoke and the unseen performer.

This artwork illustrates the 'Kobutori Jiisan' folktale, a classic Japanese morality story exploring themes of greed, personality, and the supernatural interaction between humans and yōkai. It belongs to the broader tradition of Edo-period illustrated fairy tales ('otogi-zōshi') often serialized for popular education and entertainment.