The Story of a Mother (fairy tale illustration)

This is from the 4-volume collection of lesser-known tales by Hans Christian Andersen, "Unknown Andersen" published by Hyoronsha during the bi-centenary celebrations of his birth in 2005. It accompanied The Story of a Mother, a dark tale of a mother's quest to find her child after it has been stolen by Death. During her journey she faces a series of painful ordeals, including embracing a thorn bush.