A hanging scroll by the well-known artist Kawanabe Kyōsai (1831-89). The painting depicts the Hell Courtesan (Jigoku dayū), a Takasu prostitute who is said to have attained enlightenment with the help of the Rinzai Zen priest and poet Ikkyū (1394-1481), who was well-known not only for his fondness for engaging both devotees and sceptics in dialogues about Buddhist philosophy, but also for his liking for alcohol and brothels. Ikkyū is shown dancing on top of the head of a seated skeleton, kicking his leg out as he waves his arms about in the air, obviously enjoying himself a great deal. Beneath him, the skeleton sits playing a shamisen whilst smaller skeletons dance to the tune it is playing. The Hell Courtesan, standing beside a screen decorated with autumn grasses beneath a golden moon, is dressed in a robe and obi that are adorned with images of the Gods of Good Fortune.
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