The Subscription List, 1879 - Handsome triptych illustrating a scene from the play "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho). Disguised as yamabushi or mountain priests, Yoshitsune attempt to sneak across the border, where they are stopped by the aristocrat Togashi. He suspects that the young porter may be Yoshitsune (and actually is), so the loyal samurai Benkei berates his master to throw Togashi off the trail. At right, Togashi leans forward with an angry scowl, formally dressed in a blue robe patterned with birds over a red brocade kimono, and a tall black court cap. In the center, Benkei frowns back at him, gesturing angrily toward Yoshitsune, who looks down meekly, hiding behind his uplifted hat. From left, the actors are Iwai Hanshiro VIII, Ichikawa Danjuro IX, and Ichikawa Sadanji I. The large colorful figures are set off by a deep red background, and nicely detailed with burnishing the black court cap and Benkei's small hat.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 3/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Vertical folds. Slight creasing. Please see photos for details.