Aka-e
Encyclopedia
An Aka-e or “red picture” is a type of ukiyo-e
that is printed entirely or predominantly in red. Aka-e were said to be talismans against smallpox
, especially when they bore images of Shōki the demon queller
. A woodblock print having a significant portion of the design entirely in red may also be considered to be an aka-e.
Ukiyo-e
' is a genre of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings produced between the 17th and the 20th centuries, featuring motifs of landscapes, tales from history, the theatre, and pleasure quarters...
that is printed entirely or predominantly in red. Aka-e were said to be talismans against smallpox
Smallpox
Smallpox was an infectious disease unique to humans, caused by either of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. The disease is also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera, which is a derivative of the Latin varius, meaning "spotted", or varus, meaning "pimple"...
, especially when they bore images of Shōki the demon queller
Zhong Kui
Zhong Kui is a figure of Chinese mythology. Traditionally regarded as a vanquisher of ghosts and evil beings, and reputedly able to command 80,000 demons, his image is often painted on household gates as a guardian spirit, as well as in places of business where high-value goods are...
. A woodblock print having a significant portion of the design entirely in red may also be considered to be an aka-e.