Property from the collection of Drs. Edmund and Julie Lewis AFTER SHIBATA ZESHIN (1807-1891)Setsubun with Otafuku Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century A hanging scroll, painted in ink and colors on silk with Otafuku standing on a veranda throwing beans at a fleeing oni (demon), inscribed Zeshin and bearing the seal Tairyūkyo 42 x 15 7/8in (106.5 x 40.3cm) Setsubun, celebrated the day before the beginning of the lunar New Year in Japan, is characterized by a special ritual known as mamemaki (literally "bean throwing") performed to cleanse away any evil from the former year and drive away malevolent spirits that might bring misfortune and bad health during the year toe. Fuku mame (roasted soybeans) are thrown either out the door or at a family member wearing an oni mask, while people say Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi (Demons out! Luck in!). Provenance Sotheby's New York, Asian Decorative Works of Art (Sale #7281), March 26, 1999, lot 373 Sold in these Rooms, March 19, 2014, lot 3063