The Golden Demon

Kaburagi Kiyokata Japanese

Not on view

This print served as a frontispiece for the short novel The Golden Demon by Ozaki Kōyō, a moralistic tale about how the pursuit of money in modern society corrupts relationships. Set in the 1890s, Kan’ichi, a student, is in love with Miya, the daughter of a man to whom he owes money. Their engagement is cancelled so that Miya can marry a wealthy banker’s son. In despair, Kan’ichi breaks ties with all his friends, abandons his studies, and declares he has ceased to be human.

The Golden Demon, Kaburagi Kiyokata (Japanese, 1878–1972), Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan

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