54 Utagawa Yoshitora 1836 – 1882 At the Ataka Barrier in Kaga Province: Musashibō Benkei Reads from the Subscription List, Deceives Togashi, and Crosses into Michinoku

Triptych depicting the legendary episode from the life of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Pursued by his brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, Yoshitsune and his followers, disguised as yamabushi (mountain ascetic monks), attempt to cross the border into Kaga Province.

At the Ataka Barrier, they are stopped by the suspicious official Togashi Saemon. With quick wit, Musashibō Benkei saves his lord by pretending that their group is collecting donations for the construction of a temple. Holding a blank scroll above his head, he begins to “read” the list of contributors, inventing names and details as he goes.
Yoshitsune, dressed in a brilliant red robe, sits silently behind Benkei, while armed samurai on both sides watch in tense anticipation.

The composition captures the moment of psychological intensity and theatrical brilliance that later inspired the famous kabuki play Kanjinchō (“The Subscription List”). Yoshitora combines bold linework, vivid coloration, and precise spatial rhythm to dramatize this scene of loyalty, courage, and deception.