Japanese Mythology and Folklore: Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre

Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre or Mitsukuni Defying the Skeleton Spectre Invoked by Princess Takiyasha (Japanese: 相馬の古内裏 妖怪がしゃどくろと戦う大宅太郎光圀) is an ukiyo-e woodblock print by Japanese artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861).

Kuniyoshi was known for his depictions of historical and mythical scenes, and combined both in portraying the tenth-century princess Takiyasha summoning a skeleton spectre to frighten Ōya no Mitsukuni.In the image, the princess recites a spell written on a handscroll, summoning a giant skeleton. It rears out of a black void, crashing its way through the tattered palace blinds with its bony fingers to menace Mitsukuni and his companion.

The historical Princess Takiyasha was the daughter of the provincial warlord Taira no Masakado, who tried to set up an "Eastern Court" in Shimōsa Province in competition with the emperor in Heian-kyō (modern Kyoto). Masakado's rebellion was put down in the year 939 and he was killed. After his death, Princess Takiyasha continued living in the ruined palace of Sōma.This print shows a mythical episode in which the emperor's official, Mitsukuni, comes to search for surviving conspirators.​