Chikanobu: The Cat Ghost of Saga (Saga no kaimyô) Sold

  • Sold.

Artist: Yōshū Chikanobu
Title: The Cat Ghost of Saga (Saga no kaimyô)
Series: Competition of Day and Night on Eastern Brocade (Azuma nishiki chûya kurabe)
Date: 1886 (Meiji 19)

A cat ghost would appear to Ohide, a lover of Lord of Saga (in Kyûshû) and torment her. The lord ordered a day-and-night watch, but none of the night watches could keep up with their sleepiness. There was a loyal and brave footman called Itô Sauta, who was asked to take over the night watch. He kept himself awake by piercing his small knife into his thigh. When Ohide was to enter the chamber of the lord Sauta saw a shadow of the cat ghost. He made himself known to it, stating the name, "Komori Heinojô" and killed it with a single stroke of his sword. This was the great deed of Sauta. 

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition.  
Dimensions: ôban 37.2 X 25.4 cm
Publisher: Kobayashi Tetsujiro
Sealed: Engraver’s seal: Hori Yû
Signature: Yôshû Chikanobu-hitsu

SKU: CHK073