oko-e 嗚呼絵

Also written 嗚滸絵. Comic, satiric paintings popular among aristocrats in the Heian period. The priest Kakuyū 覚猷 (1053-1140; commonly known as Toba Sōjō 鳥羽僧正) is recorded in Kokon chomonjū 古今著聞集 (The Collection of Tales of Past and Present; 13th century) as being good at painting oko-e. An extant example of oko-e is the first two handscrolls of Chōjūjinbutsu giga 鳥獣人物戯画 (Frolicking Animals and Humans, 12th century, Kōzanji 高山寺, Kyoto) and although traditionally attributed to Toba Sōjō several hands are evident. The purpose and meaning of the depictions remain unresolved problems; however, some scenes appear to satirize pompous clerics and officials.