Nuri-botoke 塗仏

Nuri-botoke (塗仏), the “Lacquered Buddha,” is a grotesque and oily spirit that emerges from neglected household altars, serving as a dark reminder of the consequences of forgetting one’s ancestors.

Meaning and Origin

The name means “Lacquered Buddha” (nuri - lacquered/coated, botoke - buddha/deceased spirit).

The Nuri-botoke is a physical manifestation of neglect. In Japanese homes, the Butsudan (Buddhist altar) is the sacred center for honoring dead relatives. If an altar is left in disrepair, or if the family stops offering prayers and incense, the spiritual energy within the altar can curdle, transforming into this oily zombie-spirit.

Characteristics

A Nuri-botoke appears as a tattered, walking corpse with oily black skin that looks like it has been coated in thick lacquer. It has a bloated stomach, the robes of a priest, and—its most disturbing feature—eyeballs that dangle out of its sockets by their optic nerves.

In many artistic depictions by Sekien and others, it also has a long, black tail that resembles a catfish. It exudes a pungent, oily smell and is known for its frantic, erratic dancing. While it isn’t usually a killer, its presence is an omen of extreme bad luck and a spiritual “sickness” in the household.

Legends

Leyends say that Nuri-botoke emerge from altars that have been left open overnight. Once out, they fly or dance through the house, flapping their tails and causing a general sense of unease. They have even been known to pose as high-ranking priests to trick the family into following false prophecies.

To get rid of a Nuri-botoke, one must “purify” the household. It is said that the creature cannot cross a line of salt, but the only permanent cure is to clean the Butsudan, offer fresh incense, and sincerely resume the rituals of honoring the dead. The legend serves a clear social purpose: keep your home holy and your ancestors happy, or the “Lacquered Buddha” will dance through your halls.