Comments - Interesting kabuki scene from a play based on the popular ghost story commonly known as "The Dish Mansion." Here, the poor Okiku scrambles backwards in alarm, throwing her hand out before her. The evil samurai Asayama Tetsuzan has falsely accused the koshimoto or lady's maid of losing one dish from a valuable ten-piece set. He offers to forgive her if she accepts his advances, but she refuses. He eventually kills her and she returns as a ghost to haunt him, endlessly counting the dishes and bursting into a wail when she reaches the number ten. A couple of the dishes rest on the floor beside the lid of a box at lower right. At upper left, a shoji panel opens onto a garden with a dipper resting across a stone water basin. An expressive figure in a nicely detailed setting.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 3/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight separation at ends of horizontal centerfold, a few wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases and stains, slight rubbing at side. Please see photos for details.