Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Musashibo Benkei, 1849

by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Current Status

Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Musashibo Benkei, 1849 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Original Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861) Japanese Woodblock Print
Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Musashibo Benkei, 1849

Comments - Handsome portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Musashibo Benkei in the play "The Subscription List," one of "The Eighteen Kabuki Plays" made famous by the Ichikawa Danjuro line of actors. Here, the warrior is disguised as a yamabushi or mountain priest, attempting to slip across the border with his lord, Yoshitsune, when they are stopped for questioning. Benkei quickly states that they are collecting funds for temple restoration, and unrolling a blank scroll, pretends to read a list of the subscribers. He looks over his shoulder with a solemn frown, the scroll stretched between his hands. He wears a voluminous striped robe over a blue kimono patterned with Buddhist prayer wheels, and a small black cap tied under his chin with a braided cord. A brocade sash with large white pompoms attached to it is draped over his shoulders. An attractive design, nicely detailed with burnishing in the cap and embossing in the pompoms, and soft shading in the night sky.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. A few tiny wormholes and holes, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling and creasing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Musashibo Benkei, 1849 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)
Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Musashibo Benkei, 1849 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

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