Comments - Terrific kabuki scene from the famous drama "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 an aqua blue kamishimo and black court cap. He becomes suspicious that the young porter is Yoshitsune in disguise, which is true. Here, Benkei frowns as he looks up, thinking quickly to alloy Togashi's suspicions. He wears a burnished black outer robe with writing on it over a plaid kimono, a brocade sash trimmed with pompoms hanging over his shoulders. At left, Yoshitsune looks meekly at the questioner, holding a walking staff against his shoulder and a woven hat in his other hand. From left, the actors are Nakamura Fukusuke IV, Ichikawa Danjuro IX, and Ichikawa Sadanji I. A fantastic design with the large figures filling the space against a deep blue sky, with a red border decorated with pine sprigs. Beautifully printed with fine detail in the hair, burnished patterns on the black caps, embossing on the white kimono trim and the cord tied under Benkei's chin, and rich jewel-tone color.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels. Vertical folds. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.