Comments - Incredible scene from the classic kabuki play "Yotsuya Kaidan," one of the most famous Japanese ghost stories. The ronin Tamiya Iemon attempts to kill his wife, Oiwa, by poisoning her, but the poison instead disfigures her. Seeing her horrible face in the mirror, she dies, but returns to haunt Iemon, who sees her hideous image everywhere and commits many murders trying to kill her ghost. Here, Oiwa's ghastly face emanates from a paper lantern, her long black hair flowing around her blue, misshapen face, a supernatural flame flickering above her head. She looks piteously as Iemon as he frowns at her in horror and consternation. He sits in the fenced courtyard outside a rustic house, a campfire burning before him, clutching a couple of bamboo poles. An eerie night scene from this outstanding tale of murder and ghostly revenge.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 19" x 13 7/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two panels attached at the seam. Some light paper remnants at edges. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Some wrinkling throughout. A couple light creases and some fraying at edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.