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 vest and cap, embossing on the cord, the white pompoms, and the text panel inset, and metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone on the vest. A bold, striking composition and rarely seen Yoshitoshi triptych.
Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Image Size - 13 1/2" x 27 1/8" + margin as shown
Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. A few small losses and holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details.