Comments - Great scene from "The Subscription List" (Kanjincho), one of the eighteen kabuki plays made famous by the Ichikawa Danjuro line of actors. In the drama, Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his faithful retainer Benkei, attempt to sneak across the border disguised as monks. At right, the aristocrat Togashi is charged with intercepting the party, and he becomes suspicious of the young monk at left, who looks like Yoshitsune (and actually is). 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. Togashi watches with an angry scowl at Benkei pretends to read the scroll stretched between his hands. At left, Yoshitsune looks on with an alarmed expression. The large figures are cleverly featured in an unrolled scroll. The actors are listed in the yellow text block at upper left as Sadanji as Togashi, the actor Danjuro, and Hanshiro as Yoshitsune. A handsome design with an unusual format.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 28 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight thinning along and separation at ends of vertical fold at side of each panel, a few wormholes, repaired. Slight soiling and rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details.