Nyūnai-suzume, named plate by Toriyama Sekien
Printed title入内雀 and actual illustration inspected. Description records visible composition, not an unchecked translation of cursive text.
Overview
Nyūnai-suzume's plate shows a seated figure beneath a pine tree, dressed in patterned garments and holding a folded object near the chest. A narrow line extends from the mouth into a widening diagonal band filled with small birds. The flock travels toward the upper right, progressively separating into individually outlined forms. This arrangement associates the figure and sparrows through a visible connection rather than placing a single giant bird beside the sitter.
The printed 入内雀 identifies the subject. The scene is useful evidence for Sekien's visualization of a bird-associated spirit, including its courtly human element. Naming a historical protagonist, dating a supposed haunting, or stating what the birds consumed would require textual verification beyond observing this image.
Origins & earliest records
Toriyama Sekien includes the named illustration in Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki, first published 1779. The inspected Smithsonian copy is a later historical edition; the first book appearance is not a claim of the earliest oral tradition.
Records & interpretation
Directly inspected historical illustration and printed name. Pictorial observations are distinguished from narrative claims that would require a separate checked text.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki
Volume 1, IIIF canvas index 20 (zero-based); printed title 入内雀 directly inspected.
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
Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki
Volume1; Smithsonian Libraries copy. IIIF canvas index 20 (zero-based)
Printed title入内雀 and actual illustration inspected. Description records visible composition, not an unchecked translation of cursive text.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Institutional primary-book recordSmithsonian Libraries — historical illustrated volumeResearch access: 2026-10-05
- Direct primary illustrationNamed primary plate: 入内雀Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
Historical illustrationNyūnai-suzume, named plate by Toriyama Sekien
Printed title入内雀 and actual illustration inspected. Description records visible composition, not an unchecked translation of cursive text.
