Comments - Handsome kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Ebizo V as the warrior monk Musashibo Benkei in the play "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho). Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his men, including Benkei, were attempting to sneak across the border disguised as yamabushi or mountain priests when they were stopped at the Ataka Barrier by the aristocrat Togashi. Here, Benkei reacts angrily to Togashi's questions, grimacing with furrowed brows. He wears a striped outer kimono over a red robe patterned with Buddhist prayer wheels, a small black cap tied under his chin with a white cord. He carries a walking staff and has a portable shrine strapped to his back. A great expressive figure, detailed with embossing in the white cord and straps.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 9 3/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Slight rubbing and tearing along edges with a few pinpoint holes in subject, repaired from reverse. A couple areas of light thinning and fading at top and bottom right-hand corners. Please see photos for details. Good overall.