Comments - Fascinating illustration from the story "The Monster Takes a Bride" (Bakemono no Yomeiri), written by Jippensha Ikku and first published in 1807. The tale pokes fun at traditional marriage manuals by replacing humans with monsters. It follows the process starting with matchmaking, the first meeting of bride and groom, the exchange of gifts, the wedding ceremony, visitors to the new couple, the birth of the first child, and ending with the first visit of the child to a shrine. At top left, the new one-eyed monster child is lifted from its first bath by an elderly midwife as another female waits to take it with a purple cloth, the haggard mother at right. At upper right, several characters take the baby to a shrine for a first visit, the rather rat-faced mother carrying the one-eyed child dressed in a red kimono. A variety of grotesque creatures pay visits to the new couple in the bottom scenes. Wonderful detail and creativity in the curious supernatural creatures. A great design for anyone interested in Japanese ghost stories.

Artist - 19th century artist (not read)

Image Size - 6 7/8" x 9 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two panels mounted to backing sheet with margins. Vertical centerfold. Wormhole at bottom edge of backing sheet, repaired. Please see photos for details. Good overall.