The actor Bando Hirosaburo in two roles: the ghost of Kohada Koheiji and his sleeping wife Otawa in the play Iroiri Otogigusa
Prints such as this were effective as posters or handbills advertising kabuki plays.
This print features the actor in the dual roles of the ghost and his wife.
An intriguing image is created by the hunch-backed legless figure that appears to have materialised from spirit energy and is hovering over the sleeping woman inside the mosquito net. The illustration of the transparent mosquito net is ingeniously achieved by the printing of a thin over-colour.
The poster-like quality of strong design and flat colour is enhanced by the use of bold calligraphy.
