Priest Ikkyu and the Hell Courtesan, 1884 - Fantastic scene depicting an encounter between the courtesan Jigoku Dayu, whose name literally means "Lady of Hell," and the Priest Ikkyu. He walked about each New Year carrying a skull to remind revelers of the inevitability of death. He enlightened the young courtesan as to the evils of her profession, and she became a convert to religious life. He stands solemnly at left, the grinning skull in his outstretched hand as the beauty eyes him soberly. She wears a fantastic outer kimono patterned with a demon and fiery scenes of hell, her under robe covered with skulls and bones. The deep blue screen behind her features an intricately drawn landscape of a shrine complex with a seated Buddha above. A beautifully detailed scene illustrating this famous tale.

Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 19" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Two panels, not attached at the seams. Small tear at right edge of left panel, small loss at bottom edge of right panel, repaired, blends well. A few creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.