Japanese textiles dolls ceramics kanzashi by Asian Art by Kyoko

Benkei Joruri Puppet doll from Kabuki Play, Kanjincho

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Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Pre 1920: Item # 405512
Asian Art By Kyoko
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Many stories were written based on Yoshitsune (Minamoto family) and Benkei. The "Kanjincho", the Kabuki adaptation of the Noh play "Ataka" was first performed at the end of the Edo period in 1840. Danjuro VII played the roll of Benkei in the same costume that you see on this doll for the first time. Danjuro VII brought many fresh ideas and techniques to Kabuki play. This costume was one of the results which brought quality costumes to Kabuki from the Noh play. Noh plays were exclusively limited to aristocrats and the samurai class and the Kabuki actors were still treated as "kawara kojiki" or "beggars of the riverbed" though some of them were extremely wealthy. All the Kabuki costumes were supplied by the theater after this; this not only helped poor actors in smaller jobs but also upgraded the look of the play all and all.

In "Kanjincho", Yoshitsune (Minamoto family) and his followers are on the run, escaping from Yoritomo (Minamoto no, first Kamakura Shogun) who became increasingly jealous of his younger brother, Yoshitsune. Disguised as mountain priests, they tried to pass the barrier of Ataka. Benkei, a faithful retainer, read a Kanjincho out of a blank roll of paper to hide their true identity. Seeing him protecting Yoshitsune, Togashi, a chief officer at the Ataka inspection barrier understands. He let them go. Togashi caught up with them later that night and quietly shares sake (wine) with Benkei. Benkei, in return, performs a dance for him. The story is of compassion over duty (Togashi would have had to commit Seppuku if it were found out). We also see a very different, sophisticated side of Benkei here.

This Benkei puppet doll is almost 20 inches tall with simpler mechanics; the eyes and mouth are fixed and the arms are attached to bamboo sticks. You can move his arms with fingers from one hand. His silk Hakama trouser (style is Ohguchi, big mouth/opening worn by Kamakura samurai) has damages from the painted areas, circa Meiji period (1868-1912).