• Matsumoto Kōshirō VII [七代目松本幸四郎] as Benkei [弁慶 ] - left-hand panel of a diptych
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII [七代目松本幸四郎] as Benkei [弁慶 ] - left-hand panel of a diptych
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII [七代目松本幸四郎] as Benkei [弁慶 ] - left-hand panel of a diptych
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII [七代目松本幸四郎] as Benkei [弁慶 ] - left-hand panel of a diptych
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII [七代目松本幸四郎] as Benkei [弁慶 ] - left-hand panel of a diptych

Natori Shunsen (名取春仙) (artist 1886 – 1960)

Matsumoto Kōshirō VII [七代目松本幸四郎] as Benkei [弁慶 ] - left-hand panel of a diptych

Print


1935
10 in x 14.75 in (Overall dimensions) Japanese color woodblock print
Signed: Shunsen (春仙)
Seal: Shunsen
Waseda University - left panel - misidentified as Matsumoto Kōshirō VIII
Waseda - right panel
National Gallery of Australia
Wikipedia photo of Matsumoto Kōshirō VII in this role
Youtube.com video explaining this role The background of this print uses the itame mokuhan or imitation woodgrain technique (板目木版). "The printing of a wood grain within a print. A wood plank is soaked in water to open up the grain and is then inked and printed to intentionally reproduce the nature of the wood itself."

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The publisher was Watanabe Shuzaburō. This print was commissioned by the actor.

The left panel, which is missing from the Lyon Collection, is inscribed with the text: shoran are, kiri no haru no, mai no sode ((for your pleasure, mists of spring, dance of the sleeves). It is signed Kinshō, one of the actor's poetry names, and is accompanied by his seal: Nana dai me Matsumoto Kōshirō. (JSV)

Another translation of the actor's poem reads: Seeing clearly, Spring mist, The dance of the sleeves. Signed Kinshō, the actor's poetry name, on the right panel.

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What is with the pom-poms? They are part of the yuigesa (結袈裟)

Quitman Eugene Phillips wrote about warriors disguised as yamabushi, mountain priest/ascetics: "There is a subtler suggestion of this in the warriors groups’ adherence to the esoteric Buddhist principle of the conversion of five elements to six. Among mountain ascetics, this finds visual and material expression in the yuigesa 結袈裟, a sort of surplice comprised of sashes running down each side of the torso and joined at the back into one that runs down the spine. The yuigesa is adorned with a set of six circular attachments—four in front and two in back—that sometimes take the form of small pom-poms, but in the Suntory illustrations are medallions. There are five elements of the universe—water, fire, wood, metal, and earth—but, according to the esoteric Buddhist beliefs that were part of shugendō’s syncretic mix, the five elements on their own are inanimate. It is only when a sixth element—mind—is added that life exists, and yuigesa are a constant reminder of this."

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Illustrated:

1) the full diptych is illustrated twice in color in Stars of the Tokyo Stage by Lucie Folan, et al., the National Gallery of Australia, pages 51 and 131.

The catalogue notes:
Shunsen depicts one of kabuki's most celebrated (mie poses - when Benkei, dressed as a warrior-priest and holding a blank scroll, readies himself to convince Yoritomo's men that he is not harbouring the renegade Yoshitsune. The artist captures the tension of the moment and accurately illustrates the details of Benkei's mountain-priest disguise.
It is also noted that "Kōshirō VII was legendary for performing the role of Benkei in The subscription list over 1600 times."

2) the full triptych in black and white in 'Once upon a time...... the story of Benkei. A personal compilation of the events in the life of Benkei, from various sources' by Arendie H. Kempers in Andon 39, December, 1991, fig. 1, p. 78.

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There is a photograph of Matsumoto Kōshirō VII in this pose and costume in Zöe Kincaid's book on kabuki from 1925. It appears on the 1977 reprint on page 265. It is not the same as the photo linked to above at Wikimedia.
Watanabe Mokuhan Bujitsu Gahō (渡邊木版美術画舗) (publisher)
modern prints (shin hanga - 新版画) (genre)
actor prints (yakusha-e - 役者絵) (genre)
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII (七代目松本幸四郎) (actor)
Musashibō Benkei (武蔵坊弁慶) (role)