Comments - Fantastic scene from the famous kabuki play "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho) which tells the story of how Yoshitsune Minamoto and his faithful retainer Benkei, the warrior-monk, led his men across the border disguised as monks. The aristocrat Togashi, shown here in a blue kimono patterned with cranes, is charged with intercepting the party. They tell him they are collecting funds for temple restoration, so Togashi asks Benkei to read a list of the contributors. Thinking quickly, he reads a fake subscription list from a scroll. Here Benkei angrily snatches the scroll away from the prying eyes of Togashi. The young Yoshitsune sits calmly at left, a walking staff resting against his shoulder. Nakamura Fukusuke plays Yoshitsune and Ichikawa Danjuro appears as Benkei. Includes burnishing on the black caps and Benkei's black robe. Nice full length figures with expressive faces, and interesting calligraphic brushwork suggesting a background of pine trees and shrubs.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 28"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Slight thinning and a couple small tears at edges, repaired. Slight soiling, a few light stains. Please see photos for details.