The Subscription List, 1859

by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Current Status

The Subscription List, 1859 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Subscription List, 1859

Comments - Great kabuki triptych from the popular play "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho), a tale about Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his men trying to sneak across the Ataka border disguised as yamabushi or mountain priests. The aristocrat Togashi questions them, suspecting correctly that the young porter is actually Yoshitsune. To allay suspicions, the warrior monk Benkei angrily berates and beats Yoshitsune, something he would never do to his real master. Yoshitsune stands at left with a strange grin as Benkei raises his fan against him. Togashi scowls at right as he watches the monk. The actors are presented on an inset in the form of a scroll unrolling against a bold black and white checked background. From left, the actors are Iwai Kumesaburo III, Kawarazaki Gonjuro I, and Ichikawa Kodanji IV. A striking design with real graphic appeal, nicely detailed with burnishing in the black caps. We've only seen this subject once before.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/4" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small loss, small tear at edge, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.

The Subscription List, 1859 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
The Subscription List, 1859 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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