Comments - Powerful kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro IX as the warrior monk Benkei in the famous play "Kanjincho" (The Subscription List). Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his men were intercepted by the aristocrat Togashi when trying to sneak across the Ataka Barrier disguised as yamabushi or mountain priests. They told Togashi that they had been collecting funds for temple restoration, so the noblemen asked them for a list of the contributors. Thinking quickly, Benkei began reading from a blank scroll. He is shown here clutching the scroll in his outstretched hand, scowling as he stares ahead. He wears a black vest patterned with large writing over a floral print kimono, and a tiny black cap tied under his chin with a braided cord. Beautifully detailed with burnishing on the black cap, embossing on the cord and white pompoms, and metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone on the vest. A bold, striking composition, and a rarely seen Yoshitoshi triptych.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 27 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Vertical fold at side of each panel. A few small repairs, creasing. Please see photos for details.