Ichimura Uzaemon XVII as Musashibo Benkei in the play Benkei Joshi

This portrait shows Ichimura Uzaemon XVII (1916–2001) in the role of Musashibō Benkei, the warrior-monk and faithful retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. In 'Benkei Jōshi,' the figure is typically presented in monastic robes layered over warrior dress, often gripping a naginata or rosary. Kokei's compositional preference for ōkubi-e isolates Benkei's physiognomy against an undyed ground, allowing the kumadori — the red sujiguma lines used to convey heroic strength — to dominate. The thick eyebrows, set jaw, and shaven brow of the warrior-monk type are rendered with the subtle keyblock variations characteristic of self-printed sōsaku-hanga rather than commissioned workshop output. The use of ganpi paper produces a near-translucent surface that absorbs [sumi](/glossary/sumi) pigment with minimal bleed, sharpening the fine-line work around the eyes. The print belongs to Kokei's continuing chronicle of senior nadai actors during his Kabuki-za residency.