This print; by Kyosai; depicts a variation of the Jigoku Dayu tale. One day; when the monk Ikkyu came to the brothel; he sat to enjoy a meal of fresh fish and sake; which are forbidden to Buddhist monks. Jigoku Dayu; with her sharp mind; assumed that this person was an imposter claiming to be the famous Ikkyu.

She summoned entertainment for him; and hid behind her screen to watch him. When she looked; she saw Ikkyu happily dancing along with skeletons; and knew that he was who he said he was.

This can be interpreted in a number of ways: Ikkyu is famous for reminding everyone of the inevitability of death with his skull-stick; and had commented often that under our skins which we so earnestly protect; is only a skeleton which will one day be all that is left of us.