Name/Title
Print, PhotographicEntry/Object ID
1994.80.93Description
Enlarged color photo of the Ushiwakamaru and Benkei triptych mural painted by Masasuke Henry Kumano of Block 19. It was painted on the Block 16 mess hall wall and now is in the collections of the Eastern California Museum (2020.2.6-8).
In the Manzanar Free Press April 14, 1943 issue under the heading "Around the Blocks" is the following information: Colorfully adorning the walls of mess hall 16 are paintings depicting the famous life story of Benkei and Ushiwakamaru (Yoshitsune) which were done by Mr. Kumano of block 19.
Handwritten yellow sticky note says: Artist: Masakuke Henry Kumano Blk. 19. Benkei Ushiwakamaru was painted at Blk. 16 mess hall wall.
Yellow sticky note both handwritten and typewritten says: Ushiwakamaru and Benkei. Benkei, unable to collect his 1,000th sword from the twelve year old Ushiwakamaru, he gave up and became Ushiwakamaru's #1 samurai when Ushiwakamaru became a Shogun known as Yoshitune Minamoto.
Typewritten yellow sticky note label says: Mural painting on the pasterboards that lined the barrack apartments in the Manzanar Camp was collected by Jerome Thornton of Oak Creek north of Independence. Private collection of the art work in his possession for forty years was thoughtfully presented to the Manzanar Project at the Eastern California museum in Independence, California.Photograph Details
Subject Place
Business
Eastern California MuseumCounty
Inyo CountyState/Province
CaliforniaCollection
Shiro and Mary Nomura Collection