Passed
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Description
21" (53 cm.) Sosaku musha-ningyo (art warrior doll) depicting Shoki the Demon Queller, the classic and iconic figure within the Boy's Day display, with realistically rendered hands and head made of wood and covered in a red pigmented gofun, painted features and inset glass eyes, heavily modeled features with an intensely furrowed brow and scowling expression, long hair and a thick beard, wearing rich silk brocade robes with stylized cloud with a high-waist belt with front section bearing enlarged kiri (Paulownia) blossoms all done in blue, gray and mauve tones, lacquered cap in the Chinese style, heavy Chinese style boots in silk brocade with metal bosses, his right hand holding a broad-blade sword and his left fist clenched in determination, scabbard at back, and mounted to a silver/black lacquered base with a kifuda (wood plaque) bearing the name "Beishu" and a red Mukei Bunkazai (Intangible Cultural Property) inscription and seal. Created by Hara Beishu (1893-1989), who was bestowed this important cultural honor by the Japanese government in 1966. Derived from Chinese legend, Shoki has been an important symbol of the Boy's Day display from its earliest inception in the 1600s, initially being featured prominently on banners. But it was not until the mid-19th century that ningyo of this powerful icon became a focus as part of an increasing cultural emphasis on the emperor. In brief, the tale of Shoki the Demon Queller goes back to a fever dream by the Chinese emperor Xuanxong in the 8th century. In his nightmare he saw demons running rampant in the palace, pillaging his treasures. Out of the mayhem he hears the thudding of heavy boots and looks up to see a giant man with a heavy beard, wielding a broad sword and dispatching the demons with relish. Upon inquiring as to the name of this savior, the apparition responds that his name is Zhong Kui (Shoki) and that he has pledged his existence in the afterlife to defending the emperor. Upon awakening the emperor had his court artist paint a portrait of Zhong Kui (Shoki) that was given a place of honor and used as a protective talisman.