Comments - Terrific kabuki scene from the play "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho) of the daimyo Togashi Saemon confronting the warrior monk Musashibo Benkei, who was attempting to cross the Ataka Border with his master, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, disguised as yamabushi or mountain monks. Saemon became suspicious of the group, so the quick-thinking Benkei said that they were soliciting subscribers to build a temple, and proceeded to read names from an imaginary list. The monk leans forward aggressively, one hand holding his sword and the other gripping a string of prayer beads. He wears a burnished black robe patterned with writing over a plaid kimono, and a small black cap tied under his chin with white cord. A great design with the large expressive figures set off by a deep red background and a text panel in the form of an unrolled scroll. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro IX and Ichikawa Sadanji, Beautifully detailed with additional burnishing on Saemon's black court cap and the handle of his fan, and embossing on the white kimono trim, the white cord, and the white pompoms.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 27 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Losses and small tears, repaired. Fragile areas reinforced with thin paper on reverse. Slight soiling, a few creases, stain. Please see photos for details.