“A Soul to Devils” (闇の中の魑魅魍魎 / CHIMIMORYO), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1971, B2 Size (51.5 × 72.8 cm) G257

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for Kō Nakahira’s A Soul to Devils, released in Japan by Toho on 19 June 1971. The first film from Nakahira’s independent production company, it was written by Kaneto Shindō and selected for the main competition at the 1971 Cannes Film Festival. The announcement at the upper left, 「カンヌ映画祭 日本代表作品」, presents the film to Japanese audiences as their country’s representative at Cannes.

Set in Tosa towards the end of the Edo period, the film stars Akaji Maro as the young painter Hirose Kinzō, known as Ekin. Returning home after studying in Edo, Kinzō comes into conflict with the authorities as he finds a style of his own. The historical Ekin is best known for his shibai-e byōbu: folding screens painted with violent scenes from kabuki plays and displayed by candlelight at summer festivals in what is now Kōchi Prefecture. Mariko Kaga, Eiji Okada and Hiroko Ōgi also appear.

The poster brings the painter’s world into the portrait of a woman reclining on tatami. Her loosened kimono stands out against the deep brown background; behind her, the faint outline of a grotesque face takes a moment to discern. The headline makes the link to Ekin explicit: 「ほとばしる血潮を絵に塗り込めた男！」 — “The man who painted blood itself into his pictures!”

Across the lower portion, the Japanese title appears in turquoise-green calligraphy, its trailing strokes suggesting wet paint. A small photographic inset sits above the lettering, while the romanised title CHIMIMORYO appears below in red serif type.

Excellent condition overall. Once framed, this poster will display excellently.

Please review the photographs, which show the exact poster offered.

Over 55 years old.
Not a reproduction or reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.