1892, Toyohara Kunichika, Onoe Kikugorō V as Okiky and Ichikawa Danjurō IX as Aoyama Tessan, Onoe Kikujirō V and Onoe Matsusuke V as retainers -- National Museum of Asian Art (Washington)
From the museum label: Several kabuki plays relate the tragic story of the maid Okiku and her cruel samurai master, Aoyama Tessan. Tessan propositions Okiku for sex, but when she refuses, he accuses her of stealing a priceless heirloom. He offers his forgiveness if she will sleep with him, but Okiku instead chooses to throw herself down a well and dies. It was believed that a sudden gust of wind accompanied the appearance of a ghost. and this was achieved onstage by using a prop umbrella that could turn inside out. Flanked by his retainers, Tessan grips the umbrella as the terrifying form of Okiku emerges from above. Each night she rises from the well, letting out a wail that drives Tessan insane.
1892, Toyohara Kunichika, Onoe Kikugorō V as Okiky and Ichikawa Danjurō IX as Aoyama Tessan, Onoe Kikujirō V and Onoe Matsusuke V as retainers -- National Museum of Asian Art (Washington)
From the museum label: Several kabuki plays relate the tragic story of the maid Okiku and her cruel samurai master, Aoyama Tessan. Tessan propositions Okiku for sex, but when she refuses, he accuses her of stealing a priceless heirloom. He offers his forgiveness if she will sleep with him, but Okiku instead chooses to throw herself down a well and dies. It was believed that a sudden gust of wind accompanied the appearance of a ghost. and this was achieved onstage by using a prop umbrella that could turn inside out. Flanked by his retainers, Tessan grips the umbrella as the terrifying form of Okiku emerges from above. Each night she rises from the well, letting out a wail that drives Tessan insane.