Albumen photograph measuring 5 3/4" x 4 1/4" depicting a seated Japanese musician holding a three-stringed instrument, posed beside a standing articulated folk art model of a human skeleton. The figure sits cross-legged wearing a headcloth and traditional dress, while the skeleton has been arranged in a humorous pose with one arm resting across its skull. The image appears to be a studio composition dating to the late 19th century.

The unusual pairing of musician and skeleton suggests a staged studio study intended as a curiosity or novelty image, combining ethnographic portraiture with theatrical elements. A narrow band of hand coloring is visible across the subject’s torso.

Unmounted print with no photographer’s imprint visible.