Comments - Fantastic scene from the famous kabuki play "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho). Disguised as yamabushi or mountain priests, Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his men attempt to sneak across the border. They are intercepted and questioned by the aristocrat Togashi, shown at right in the blue robes and black court cap. They tell him they are collecting subscriptions for temple repair, so the nobleman asks to see the list of subscribers. Thinking quickly, the warrior monk Benkei unrolls a blank scroll and pretends to read from it. Here, he snatches the fake list away from the angry Togashi, while the seated Yoshitsune watches meekly at left, a walking staff and a woven hat in hand. The colorful figures are nicely set off by a deep blue background. The actors include Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Benkei. A handsome triptych with fine line work in the hair, and burnishing in Benkei's black robe and hat, and Togashi's black court cap.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14" x 27 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Thinning along two sides, one small tear, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.