Enma, the judge of the underworld, and his guardian

This scene of judgement is probably derived from Buddhist or Taoist mythology. The work is the size of a sheet of paper; it is a brush sketch in ink and wash on paper, probably a preparatory drawing (shita-e) for a print or woodcut illustration.

The lines are fine and precise, executed in Indian ink, whilst the areas of shadow and volume are created by washes of diluted ink, ranging from light grey to deep black. The background, rendered in washes, creates a mysterious and sombre atmosphere. The work follows the tradition of Chinese ink painting (sumi-e or shuimohua), which emphasises spontaneity, expressiveness and mastery of the brush. The style is akin to genre or figure painting, often used to illustrate stories, myths or legends.

This scene of judgement takes place in what appears to be the underworld or hell. The main figure, seated behind a desk, wears a mandarin’s hat and an imperial robe, whilst the lines of his face form the outline of a dragon. This judge is not human, but a deity. He is the King of the Underworld, known as Yama (in the Buddhist tradition) or Yanluo Wang (in Taoism and Chinese mythology), who derives his authority directly from the divine realm. He could also be King Enma, often depicted presiding over the jury composed of the ten kings who judge the underworld. The dragon, as an imperial and divine symbol, is the perfect representation of this supreme authority over the underworld. He holds a brush and is reading a scroll, which likely contains the names and sins of the souls being judged. A guardian or warrior stands to his left, looking menacing. He wears a helmet and armour, and brandishes a broad, flat weapon. This figure is most likely a guardian of the underworld or a celestial general in the service of the judge. In Chinese mythology, such figures—such as Heibai Wuchang (the messengers of the underworld) or other generals of the celestial army—are often depicted alongside Yanluo Wang to assist him in his work.

The background of the scene is filled with flames rising to form a mountain, reinforcing the impression of an inhospitable and sinister setting. A cloud or swirls of smoke surround an eye, which heightens the supernatural atmosphere of the scene.