Comments - Terrific okubi-e or "large head" portrait of Kawarazaki Sansho as Benkei in the famous play "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho). The drama tells the story of how Yoshitsune and Benkei lead his men across the border disguised as mountain priests, supposedly collecting funds to restore a temple. When confronted by guards at the border, Benkei quickly unrolls an empty scroll and pretends to read a subscription list of contributors. Here, he looks up with a frown, gripping his walking staff with his hand. He wears a striped robe over a blue under robe, with a distinctive small black cap tied under his chin with a white cord and a portable shrine on his back. Beautifully detailed with exceptionally fine line work in the hair and embossing on the white cord and pompoms on the costume. The image is framed with the three concentric rice measure crest of the Ichikawa Danjuro line of actors. This image appears on page 92 of Amy Reigle Newland's recent book, "Time Present and Time Past: Images of a Forgotten Master, Toyoharu Kunichika." A fantastic, bold design and one of Kunichika's best kabuki portraits in this striking format.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 9" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Stitching holes along left side from previous folio binding, repaired, blends well. Soiling, faint ink offsetting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.