Head of the snake woman

"Head of the Snake Woman" is a captivating Ukiyo-e woodblock print from Katsushika Hokusai's Mythological painting series, One Hundred Ghost Stories, created around 1830. Despite being in his seventies, Hokusai explored supernatural themes inspired by Edo-period superstitions, capturing scenes from popular ghost stories told during the Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai game. This particular print depicts the eerie head of a snake woman, blending folklore with vivid, dynamic imagery characteristic of ukiyo-e. The series aimed to produce 100 prints, though only five survive, showcasing Hokusai's fascination with the supernatural and mythological subjects beyond his renowned landscapes.