Comments - Fantastic scene from the famous kabuki play "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho) which tells the story of how Yoshitsune Minamoto and his faithful retainer Benkei, the warrior-monk, led his men across the border disguised as monks. The aristocrat Togashi, shown here in a blue kimono patterned with cranes, is charged with intercepting the party. They tell him they are collecting funds for temple restoration, so Togashi asks Benkei to read a list of the contributors. Thinking quickly, he reads a fake subscription list from a scroll. Here Benkei angrily snatches the scroll away from the prying eyes of Togashi. The young Yoshitsune sits quietly at left, looking down with a walking staff resting against his shoulder. From left, the actors are Nakamura Fukusuke as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Ichikawa Danjuro as Musashibo Benkei, and Onoe Kikugoro as Togashi Saemon. Nice large figures with expressive faces, and interesting calligraphic brushwork suggesting a background of pine trees and shrubs. Includes burnishing in the black caps and embossing in Benkei's white pants.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/2" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three panels, not attached at the seams and lightly toned throughout. Light soiling and creasing along edges. A few very faint stains in left-hand panel. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.