San’yutei Encho (1839-1900) was a rakugo (comic monologue) storyteller in the Meiji period (1868-1912) known for his masterful presentation of tales of human compassion (ninjo-banashi). Kiyokata was familiar with Encho because he was an old friend of the painter’s father. In this piece showing the moment just before Encho begins his story, the storyteller kneels in the formal seiza position, fixing his eyes on the audience beyond the teacup. Kiyokata painted Encho’s personal appearance relying on memory, conveying the master’s intensity and tension through the piercing eyes and the firm mouth. The kimono, cushion and props were carefully depicted based on sketches of the relics.

(Designated an Important Cultural Property on May 29, 2003)