Comments - Incredible kabuki scene from the famous tale of the cat witch of Okazaki. An old witch haunted the ruined temple near Okazaki, assuming the form of a cat and waiting to attack young women who came to visit the temple. Here the witch appears with white hair flowing about her head, large pointed ears, and sharp claws. She looks over her shoulder at a young samurai who has threatens her with his sword. A frightened beauty cowers behind the sleeve of her kimono as another warrior behind her draws his sword to assist his companion. A fantastic image from this legendary story. Wonderfully detailed with embossing on the fur and white kimono, and a burnished geometric pattern in the samurai's black kimono. A terrific choice for a collector interested in Japanese ghost stories.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few holes and thinning areas, repaired. Creasing, a few marks and stains. Please see photos for details.