Set of three large-size (35.7×25.5cm) color woodblock prints (nishiki-e)
Artist: Toyohara Kunichika
Publisher: Fukuda Kumajiro
Published in 1890
Owned by the National Diet Library

Kanjincho is a Kabuki play written in the late 19th century.This nishiki-e was prepared and sold based on the performance givenin May 1890.

The story is set in the late 12th century. Minamoto no Yoshitsune(left: played by Onoe Kikugoro V (1844-1903)), the ninth son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo(former head of the Minamoto clan (Genji)), and his followers are beinghunted by Yoshitsune’s brother, the Shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo (presenthead of the clan). While they are fleeing in the disguise of yamabushi (Buddhistmountain priests), they come to a checkpoint at Ataka in Kaga province. There,they are harshly interrogated by Togashi Saemon no jo (right: played by IchikawaSadanji I (1842-1904)), who has been ordered by Yoritomo to arrest them. Thenone of Yoshitsune’s followers, the quick-witted Benkei (center: playedby Ichikawa Danjuro IX (1838-1903)), asserts that they are not Yoshitsune’sparty, but real yamabushi, journeying around the provinces seeking donationsfor the rebuilding of the Todaiji temple in Nara, which has been burned downin a battle. Challenged to prove that he is what he claims to be, he takes outa blank scroll and saying that it is a kanjincho (a subscription listdescribing in formal language the benefits of making donations for rebuildingtemples), pretends to read from it.

Sparks fly from the eyes of one man to another. Benkei, poisedready in case his trick is discovered, is staring hard at his opponent. Togashi,sniffing out Benkei’s deceit, is unsheathing his sword. Yoshitsune, dressedas a porter but believing that the ruse has been detected, prepares to fight.The prints depict the whole situation with each man’s complex feelings,the players’ expressions and gestures.

The big old pine tree and young bamboos painted behind the actorsare based on the backdrop of the Noh stage.

The artist, Kunichika (1835-1900), was active from the late Edoperiod to the Meiji period and has been called the last of the ukiyo-e artists.He excelled at depicting Kabuki actors and created many masterpieces.

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