Kutsutsura

Overview

Kutsutsura is represented by a squat, hairy animal with a large open mouth, exposed teeth and hooked claws. A shoe-like upper section arches across its back and face. A robed, bearded rider sits above it holding a loop or strap, while a tree and upright architectural support define the surrounding scene. The animal’s low body contrasts with the rider’s upright posture.

The printed heading 沓頬 identifies this fantastic footwear representation. Both the object-derived body and the accompanying human-like figure belong to the inspected composition; treating them as a natural riding animal would erase the visual transformation. This profile records the shoe form, fur, claws and rider without assigning an unsupported former owner or a universal origin story. Further interpretation depends on the explanatory text and comparative illustrated versions.

Origins & earliest records

Toriyama Sekien, Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro, first published 1784; volume 1 named plate directly inspected in the Smithsonian digitization. The final colophon states Tenmei 4 (1784) and a Bunka 2 (1805) reprint.

Records & interpretation

Printed label 沓頬 and composition directly checked against the enlarged plate. This is an illustrated object apparition; an independent local oral tradition is not assumed.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro

   Toriyama Sekien · 1784

   Volume 1; IIIF canvas index 18 (zero-based); HyakkitsurezureV1Tori_0019.jp2. This selected digitized copy includes later reprint information.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

Primary records and illustrations

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Institutional primary-book recordHyakki Tsurezure Bukuro — Smithsonian Libraries volume 1Research access: 2026-10-05
2. Primary illustrated plate / institutional digitizationKutsutsura (沓頬) — exact inspected illustrationResearch access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

Kutsutsura, named plate by Toriyama Sekien

Printed label 沓頬 directly inspected with the enlarged composition. An animal-headed shoe being appears beside a robed rider in Sekien’s Kutsutsura illustration. Exact URL copied from the returned manifest.