Woodblock Print by Gekko Ogata: Fiery God (From the Series Zuihitsu), Framed

Flames rise on both sides of a blue-skinned figure, and the man at his feet bows as low as the floor permits.

This framed woodblock print, Fiery God (From the Series Zuihitsu), is by Gekko Ogata, 1859-1920, from Japan, and is dated 1887, in ink on paper. Gekko is generally admired for a soft, painterly approach to the late woodblock print. The sword and coiled rope are the attributes usually given to Fudo Myoo, the fierce Buddhist protector. Orange and white flames climb behind the blue figure, his robes falling in pale blues. A kneeling man in white bows before him. It is 22.25 inches wide and 27.75 high.

Gekko let the fire do the shouting and kept every line calm.