KAKEJIKU in ink and light colours on paper, depicting, in the Ôtsu-e style, a young falconer acting as a pedestal for his beloved so that she may hang a mikuji (oracle) from a branch, in the hope that it will come true, in accordance with custom. Signed on the left, Matahei; seal: Matahei. On the reverse of the scroll, the apocryphal inscription: Kunisada giga Ôtsue utsushi, ‘Humorous painting by Kunisada, copy of an Ôtsu-e’. (Stains, minor wear and creases). Japan, 19th century. AN ÔTSU-E STYLE PAINTING, INK AND COLOURS ON PAPER, SIGNED MATAHEI, JAPAN, 19TH CENTURY. DIM. 73 X 50 CM (28 3/4 X 19 11/16 IN.)