Scene From the Play "Kanjinchō"

Vertical ōban. Dimensions: 20 x 26 in. (50.80 x 66.04 cm)

Markings: Artist’s signature: Toyokuni ga 豊國 画 (black, positive, in red toshidama cartouche) Publisher’s seal: Terifurichō, Ebisuya てりふり丁 ゑびすや (vertical rectangle, two vertical lines of text, negative and positive, Marks 26-007) Censors’ seals: Hama 濱; Magome 馬込 Date seal: Rat nine 子九 Unidentified at top of each panel: 吉栄平勝

Gift of Drs. Thomas and Martha Carter

Play: The dance-drama Kanjinchō was performed for the first time in March 1840. Story: Togachi Saemon is the guardian of a gate through which travelers must pass. He instructs his men to be alert for Minamoto Yoshitsune and his party, who are believed to be fleeing north disguised as wandering priests. Yoshitsune, Benkei and four retainers come to the gate. Yoshitsune is dressed as a porter with a wide straw hat and carries a load on his back. Benkei, an ex-priest, announces to the guards that they are priests wishing to pass through. He states they are collecting funds for the restoration of Tōdaiji Temple in Nara, and are touring the northern districts. Togashi asks Benkei to see his kanjinchō or list of contributors, which a legitimate fund-raiser would have. Benkei does not have one, but leaves and returns with a blank scroll. In this scene he is pretending to read names and glances at Togashi to see if his trick has worked. Togashi sees that there is nothing written on the scroll but appreciates Benkei’s cleverness. Benkei answers questions about Buddhist priesthood correctly and Togashi is about to let them pass when a soldier thinks the last porter looks a lot like Yoshitsune. Benkei tries to prove the porter is not Yoshitsune, even beating his master to protect his identity. Even though Togashi believes it is Yoshitsune, he admires Benkei’s loyalty and allows them to pass.