Comments - Terrific scene from the famous kabuki play "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho). Disguised as yamabushi or mountain priests, Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his men attempt to sneak across the border, where they are stopped by the aristocrat Togashi. Shown here in a blue kimono patterned with cranes, Togashi 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 gestures with his fan, while Yoshitsune sits meekly at left, his long hair flowing over his shoulders. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Shinzo as Kataoka Hachiro, Nakamura Fukusuke, Ichikawa Danjuro, and Ichikawa Sadanji. A great dramatic triptych with expressive faces and lively color. Includes a burnished pattern on Togashi's black court cap.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal and vertical folds. Small losses and thinning at edges, a few holes, repaired. Creasing, slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details.