CDV of Actor playing Oiwa in Yotsuya Kaidan Ghost showing the effects of being poisoned
[Japan] A very unusual carte de visite showing a kabuki actor playing the ghost of Oiwa from the famous Yotsuya Kaidan ghost story. As can be seen, Oiwa is partially bald because her hair would fall out when she combed it as a result of being poisoned by her husband (or others depending on the version of the story). We can see her combs in front of her and she also has the drooping eye which was also as a result of the poison. Her baby lies on the floor nearby. This is the first such Meiji-era photo of an actor playing Oiwa that we have seen.
Photographer unknown. c1900. 5.4 x 8.6cm.
In good condition. Minor loss of contrast and slight curve to mount. p35111498
