Comments - Incredible kabuki scene of the famous tale of the cat monster of Okazaki. An old witch haunted the temple near Okazaki along the Tokaido Road, assuming the form of an enormous cat waiting to attack young women who came to visit the temple. She appears here with a feline face, large ears, and white fur flowing about her head, paws with sharp claws extending from the sleeves of her kimono. She looks over her shoulder at two samurai and two young girls visiting the temple, who seem unsurprised by her appearance. A giant, snarling cat monster peers through a tattered blind behind them, its yellow eyes glowing in the gloom of the ruined temple. The principle actors are Bando Kakitsu I, Onoe Kikugoro, and Nakamura Fukusuke IV. A fantastic image from this legendary story. Wonderfully detailed with embossing in the fur and touches of burnishing. A terrific choice for a collector interested in Japanese ghost stories.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 7/7" x 27 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few small spots and creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.