Captivating 18th Century Isho-ningyo of the Warrior Monk Benkei

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17" (43 cm.) The venerated warrior monk Saito Musashibo Benkei (d. 1189) is gloriously depicted in a jaunty pose with left foot forward and turned outward, sporting gold lacquered paper armor with repeated tortoise shell pattern with auspicious raised kuyo nine star design, over a finely embroidered chirimen silk crepe kimono with embroidered flower designs tucked into silk brocade hakama trousers bearing the sacred treasures motif, a long well-rendered sword at his hip with red scabbard and gold detailing, at his back his signature array of weapons including battle ax, halberd, hook, rake, saw, hammer, and battle flag contrasting with his delightfully youthful face of wood covered in gofun with painted details, smiling expression, human hair, mounted on a gold lacquered wood display stand with red detailing. Some loss of hair, wear to textiles. Edo Period, Late 18th century. Benkei, as steadfast companion to Minamoto Yoshitune (1159-1189), received acclaim during his 12th century military campaigns, but became a veritable super hero in popular culture as the Yoshitsune myth expanded over the centuries. Isho-ningyo, though translated as "fashion doll," were far from limited to displays of popular fashion, but in their great variety served as three-dimensional woodblock prints and treated nearly all of the same themes found in other popular media of the day.