Takireiō

Overview

Takireiō is named 滝霊王 in Sekien’s Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. The image presents an elaborate standing figure against vertical streams of a waterfall. Its hair curls into rounded locks, its patterned clothing flows around the body, and one hand holds a long sword. Ribbonlike or flame-shaped forms rise behind its shoulders. The feet and surrounding water place the figure directly within the waterfall setting.

The caption connects the representation with supernatural beings and religious language. Its sword and ornate dress distinguish it from the much rougher aquatic creatures elsewhere in the collection. These features support a spirit or king associated with falling water, but they do not establish a universal deity worshipped at every Japanese waterfall. A specific temple history, ritual practice, or narrative encounter would require another source. The plate is cited here as Sekien’s particular named visual witness.

Origins & earliest records

Japan; Toriyama Sekien’s illustrated collection

Records & interpretation

Directly inspected labelled primary woodblock plate; descriptive claims limited to this witness.

Selected bibliography

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

1. 01

   Konjaku Hyakki Shūi

   Toriyama Sekien · 1781

   Inspected Smithsonian digitization; image canvas index 15 (zero-based, not printed page number).

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. Primary illustrated sourceKonjaku Hyakki Shūi digitized primary plate 滝霊王Research access: 2026-10-05
2. Institutional catalogSmithsonian Libraries digitized volumeResearch access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

Takireiō, named plate by Toriyama Sekien

Takireiō is named 滝霊王 in Sekien’s Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. The image presents an elaborate standing figure against vertical streams of a waterfall. Its hair curls into rounded locks, its patterned clothing flows around the body, and one hand holds a long sword. Ribbonlike or flame-shaped forms rise behind its shoulders. The feet and surrounding water place the figure directly within the waterfall setting. Caption label checked at enlarged resolution.