Comments - Intriguing image of a Chinese man, the Inari deity, and the old hag Datsueba playing a hand game called ken. Datsueba is a Buddhist demon who waits at the edge of the River Sanzu in Hell. Her name literally means "to strip one of clothing," and her job is to strip the guilty of their clothing. For those who arrive with no clothes, she strips them of their skin. Here, the bearded foreigner gestures to the sky, wearing an elegant red tunic over a pair of blue pants. Datsueba wears a yellow kimono, one sleeve slipping down to reveal her bony blue torso. The Inari deity has a fox-like face, grinning as he stretches his fingers out. A fascinating, creative design by Kuniyoshi.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 9 3/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some light vertical and horizontal creases running through subject. Minor ink offsetting in upper half of print with a few areas of spotting and soiling in subject. A couple small holes repaired from reverse and gentle rubbing surrounding subject. Please see photos for details. Good overall.