Comments - Fascinating illustration of the Buddhist demon Datsueba dancing about to music played by the Inari deity and a beauty. Datsueba's name literally means "to strip one of clothing." Guarding the edge of the River Sanzu in Hell, Datsueba's job is to strip the guilty of their clothing. For those who arrive with no clothes, she strips them of their skin. Here, the blue-skinned old crone hops on one foot as she waves her arms, her open mouth revealing missing teeth. At left, a beauty plays the shamisen, while in the foreground, the Inari fox deity happily pounds on a drum, grinning wildly. An intriguing subject, wonderfully detailed.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 10 1/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some small holes in subject and near top edge, repaired from reverse. Light vertical and horizontal creases running through subject. Slight rubbing and fading throughout with a few areas of soiling and ink offsetting in subject. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.