Passed
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Description
22" (56 cm.) h. without platform. Large-scale Musha-ningyo (warrior doll) of Benkei wielding a club, with exceptionally well-rendered head of wood, covered in a pigmented gofun with painted details, large inset glass eyes, face in a grimacing expression, deeply furrowed brow accented by up-sweeping eyebrows, wide open mouth exposing teeth and tongue, shaved head of a warrior monk with a twisted cord hachimaki head cloth tied at the front, is depicted in an aggressive stance lunging on his left leg, his right hand holding a massive club, wearing lacquered paper armor with silk lacing, silk brocade textiles, straw sandals, hands and feet painted to simulate blue leather gloves and tabi socks, and is mounted on a large tatami mat base with wood frame. Wear to textiles and base, repair to left hand. Late Edo Period, mid-19th century. The warrior monk Musashibo Benkei (d. 1189) was known for his irascible temper and was a stalwart companion/defender of the young warrior Minamoto Yoshitsune. However, in popular lore and theatrical tradition many stories centered on Benkei alone and his various exploits, revealing his near superhuman strength. He was also a popular Boy's Day figure where he was depicted both as vassal as well as solo hero.