Japan: A 'kawataro' water imp. From the Kaikidan Ekotoba Monster Scroll, mid-19th century.

The kawataro is a variety of kappa or water imp which likes to eat people and to practice sumo. An indentation on top of the creature's head is filled with water. The kawataro becomes weak when the water spills out. The Kaikidan Ekotoba is a mid-19th century handscroll that profiles 33 legendary monsters and human oddities, mostly from the Kyushu region of Japan, but with several from other countries, including China, Russia and Korea. The document, whose author is unknown, is in the possession of the Fukuoka City Museum.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

JAPANESE GHOSTS