Sagi Musume (The Heron Maiden) is one of the oldest dance works in kabuki theatre performed by an Onnagata (male actor specialising in female roles). First staged in 1762, the production is known for its quick-changes of costume (hengemono), where a single performer takes on multiple roles throughout the dance.

The story follows a young woman who has been reincarnated as a white heron. In the first transformation, the heron changes back into a young woman, dressed in a bright red kimono, dancing energetically. Two more changes follow before the story shifts back to the present. By then, the atmosphere has become darker, with the heron spirit returning with more frantic movements. The dance ends with the Heron Maiden collapsing on stage.

Tsunetomi captures the first scene, where the heron battles against the swirling snow. The print uses heavy application of gofun and silver mica powder across the background and maiden’s clothing to convey the snowfall.

The actor Onoe Kikugorō VI (1885-1949), played the role of the Heron Maiden in October, 1924, a year before the publication of this print.