The Ōeyama emaki (Hunting the Ogres) are a set of three hand scrolls that comprise of twenty-four paintings and
their accompanying text panels. Dating from the early seventeenth century, altogether they measure over forty-two gory meters. The
conservation work is scheduled over the next three years and those of a
strong disposition are most welcome to follow the hunt ...and the
conservation of these extraordinary scrolls.
.......something strange was happening in Kyoto. Beautiful young women began to disappear without trace. First there were five, then ten, until more than thirty women had vanished. In desperation an Oracle was consulted and he confirms the worst - Ogres were indeed responsible.They were capable of assuming human form at will, and they were partial to drinking blood and feasting on human flesh. The Emperor then commanded six formidable samurai disguised as Buddhist pilgrims to hunt down the Ogres and destroy them ..........
We are now busy documenting the condition of the scrolls prior to conservation so the hunt has now begun !
