Comments - Intriguing kabuki scene illustrating the legend of the stone pillow at the Old Hag's Pond near Asakusa on Asaji Moor. The old crone lured male travelers to stay overnight with the promise of her young daughter to accompany them to bed. Once the man fell asleep with his head on a stone pillow, the hag would drop another stone on top of him, crushing him to death, and then would steal his clothing. After 999 men had been killed in this manner, the Goddess Kannon visited in the guise of a young man, and the daughter fell madly in love with him. She allowed herself to be killed on the stone pillow to save his life. Here, the daughter kneels in the center with her arms thrown up in defense, smiling as Kannon appears in a cloud of smoke coming from the bed. The vicious hag stands on the front step and porch at left, grimacing as she grips a large knife. Tattered shoji panels open onto the room where the enormous stone rests atop the bed. From left, the actors are Seki Sanjuro III, Iwai Kumesaburo III, and Sawamura Tossho II. A fascinating supernatural subject, wonderfully detailed.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small losses at ends of two vertical folds, a few holes, repaired. Slight soiling and rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.