"Banba Kenshi" – Original Japanese B2 Size Illustrated Poster
轡馬剣士 | れんさい時代絵物語 | Illustrated by Kaneya Ueki (植木金矢) | c. 1950s–60s
A rare and visually arresting original B2-size Japanese poster for Banba Kenshi (轡馬剣士), part of the Rensai Jidai Emonogatari (れんさい時代絵物語) series — a serialized picture-story narrative popular in postwar Japan. This piece was illustrated by renowned artist Kaneya Ueki (植木金矢), whose bold line work and dramatic style defined the aesthetic of mid-century samurai storytelling across kamishibai, magazines, and early manga culture.
Rendered in vivid primary colours with lithographic richness, the poster depicts a masked swordsman dressed in indigo robes preparing for combat against a fearsome figure in white — a ghostly foe wearing a traditional hannya mask, symbolizing rage, jealousy, and supernatural vengeance in classical Japanese theatre. The tension between these two warriors is heightened by the stormy sky, the full moon, and a group of riders silhouetted in the distance.
A smaller inset scene at the bottom left adds narrative depth, showing the blue-robed hero in a peaceful moment among villagers, suggesting a story of wandering justice, protection, and quiet nobility — a classic motif in jidai-geki tales.
This poster was most likely distributed in connection with a traveling picture-theatre, serialized illustrated novel, or kamishibai-style performance, rather than a cinematic release — making it a unique and culturally important artifact from the golden age of Japanese narrative illustration.
A superb B2-format piece for collectors of vintage Japanese ephemera, folk storytelling, and early visual media that bridges the worlds of kabuki, samurai lore, and proto-manga artistry.
It is over 55 years old!
This poster is in very good condition. Please refer to the imagery (both front and back) as this is the exact poster that is for sale.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
L237