KAKEJIKU in colour on paper, depicting an onnagata (a Kabuki actor playing a female role) performing the Hanabusa shûjaku jishi dance, ‘The courtesan possessed by the spirit of the lion’ (also known as the ‘lion dance’), on a bridge amongst peonies, whose petals are falling towards the waterfall flowing beneath. Signed Hokutei Joren (dates unknown); Seal: Joren. Pupil of Hokusai. (Folds, minor soiling). Japan, Edo period, c. 1830. A KAKJIKU, COLOURS ON PAPER, LION DANCE ON A BRIDGE, BY HOKUTEI JOREN, JAPAN, CA. 1830. DIM. 93 X 27 CM (36 5/8 X 10 5/8 IN.) Note This subject matter refers to the legend of the courtesan consumed by unrequited love, who descends into madness and, possessed by the spirit of the lion, performs a frenzied dance.