Comments - Terrific shin-hanga kabuki portrait of Matsumoto Koshiro VII as Benkei in the famous play "Kanjincho" (The Subscription List). Dressed as a yamabushi or mountain priest, he looks to the side with an expression of disdain as he stretches out the fake subscription list before him. He wears black vest over a gray plaid kimono, a small black cap tied under his chin with a braided white cord. Fluffy white pompoms decorate the brocade sashes on his robe, part of the typical costume worn by yamabushi. A great design with the large figure boldly filling the page. Detailed with beautiful bokashi shading in the face, embossing on the pompoms and braided cord, and striking wood grain impression in the background. A fantastic, perceptive image by Natori Shunsen, which was commissioned by the actor.
Signed - Shunsen, with red artist's seal "Shunsen"
Publisher - Watanabe
Artist - Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)
Image Size - 14 3/4" x 10 1/8" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small hole in cap, repaired. Two small indented lines in subject. Slight creasing near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.
