Yōkai: Ancient Japanese Monster Prints Take Over Bologna

The exhibition 'Yōkai. Le antiche stampe dei mostri giapponesi' at Palazzo Pallavicini in Bologna, running until July 23, showcases over 200 works from the 18th and 19th centuries, including woodblock prints, rare books, armor, and ivory sculptures from 17 private collections. Curated by Paolo Linetti, director of the Museo di Arte Orientale – Collezione Mazzocchi di Coccaglio, the show explores yōkai—supernatural creatures with extraordinary powers and monstrous appearances—that emerged during the Great Peace period of Edo-era Japan. These grotesque tales were transcribed, preserving narratives such as a general's daughter learning magic to fight traitors, heroes battling spider women and river monsters, a divine fox marrying her rescuer, a cherry woman fighting evil, and a shape-shifting cat avenging its owner. Featured artists include Tsukiyoka Yoshitoshi, Kuniyoshi Utagawa, Chikanobu Yoshu, Kyōsai Kawanabe, Kunisada, and Hokusai, with the latter's manga notebooks on display. The exhibition is designed and produced by Vertigo Syndrome, previously presented at Villa Reale di Monza, and includes audio narration by a samurai in most rooms, including a dark 'Ritual of 100 Candles' space. Modern contributions by illustrator Marga 'Blackbanshee' Biazzi, a cooking show, a performing art spectacle, and a 'monster hunter' path for children complement the historical works. A catalog by Skira accompanies the show.