Comments - Dramatic kabuki scene from a play based popular ghost story commonly known as "The Dish Mansion." Here, the poor maid Okiku is about to be lowered into a well. Falsely accused by the evil samurai Asayama Tetsuzan of losing one dish from a valuable ten-piece set, the warrior has his retainer Iwabuchi torture her, repeatedly dropping her into a well, trying to make her agree to his advances. If she accepts his proposition, the missing dish will be forgiven, but Okiku refuses and the pair eventually kills her. After committing the murder, the ghost of Okiku rises from the well, endlessly counting the dishes. Here, the beauty hangs from a rope above the well, her long hair dripping wet. Iwabuchi stands at far left, tugging the rope over his shoulder. Tetsuzan glares at her from the center, gripping a sword in his hand. His black kimono features a beautiful burnished pattern. Ichimura Kakitsu IV appears as Okiku. A memorable image with wonderfully expressive figures and a dark, atmospheric setting.

Artist - Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 29 1/2"

Condition - This triptych with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small holes repaired. Very slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.