Comments - Fantastic scene from the famous kabuki play "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho), the story of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his men attempting to sneak across the border disguised as yamabushi or mountain priests. The aristocrat Togashi, shown here in a blue kimono patterned with cranes, is charged with intercepting the party. The nobleman angrily confronts the warrior-monk Benkei, raising his fan above his head. Benkei tilts his chin up defiantly, glaring back at him, clutching a string of prayer beads in his hand. Yoshitsune smiles pleasantly at left, lifting the hat from his head, a walking staff resting against his shoulder. Large peony blossoms in pale blue and pink fill the background. From left, the actors are Iwai Hanshiro VIII, Kawarazaki Mitsumasu, Ichikawa Sadanji I. A great design with large expressive figures, nicely detailed with fine line work in the hair and a burnished pattern in the black court cap.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight tape remnants on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.