Benkei Reads from the Subscription List at Ataka Barrier in Kaga Province, 1883 - Great scene from the kabuki play "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho) of the warrior monk Benkei reading a fake list after being stopped at the Ataka Barrier. Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his men were attempting to cross the border disguised as yamabushi or mountain priests. They told the aristocrat Togashi, who was charged with intercepting them, that they were collecting funds for temple restoration. The nobleman asked Benkei to read a list of the contributors, so thinking quickly, he began reading from a blank scroll. The monk stand in the center with the scroll pressed up close to his face as he pretends to read. Yoshitsune and his retainers sit quietly at right, their portable shrines on the ground beside them. Togashi eyes them haughtily from the pavilion at left, dressed in a blue brocade robe. A handsome interpretation of this classic subject, with a nicely detailed natural setting among the pine trees. Includes burnishing on Benkei's black vest.

Artist - Toshinobu (1866 - 1903)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 27 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal and vertical folds. Please see photos for details.