BENRIDO Decorative Picture Scroll SET, "The Tale of Great Minister Ban" 3 volumes

The Benrido Atelier is a COLLOTYPE workshop based in Kyoto, Japan and has mastered the art style since 1887. Their beautiful designs make for amazing Japanese gifts, decorations and souvenirs. The printing requires the best materials, with quality ink and handmade Japanese washi paper, and experienced craftsmen are the only ones able to properly design the prints - Each individual step requires experience and eye for detail to create beautiful tones and to properly balance the pigment.  

Vol. 1 — The first scroll illustrates the burning of the Otemmon gate while people tried to put out the flames, followed by the proof that Makoto was unjustly accused of his actions during the misunderstandings.

Vol. 2 — The Second scroll showcased the consolation to Makoto while he is praying to the gods and Buddha despite the fact that he did not do the actions which he was accused of. After that, they showed the suspicions about Tomo no Yoshio burning the gates. This imagery is rather indirect. It illustrates children arguing in the streets, later joined by their parents to abuse them and then gossiping amongst themselves about Tomo no Yoshio burning the gates.

Vol. 3 — The Third Scroll displays the arrest of Tomo no Yoshio as he is sent to exile. The picture indicates that Tomo no Yoshio had a servant who accidentally revealed the true culprit to the burning of the gate and after being arrested, he confessed to the police about what happened. The women in his mansion seemed morally weakened as they weep while Tomo no Yoshio is being taken to exile by the police in an ox cart.