Scene from the Play The Mirror Mountain, Kunisada (I) , Utagawa, 1853
colour woodcut, h 358mm × w 252mm More details
This play is based on a true story. From behind sliding doors, the maid Ohatsu witnesses a quarrel between her mistress Onoe and another lady-in-waiting, who strikes Onoe with a sandal. This terrible humiliation leads Onoe to commit suicide, which Ohatsu avenges. This popular play was performed on the maids’ annual free days, so that they could attend it.
