Διακοσμητικό στολίδι - 五月人形 弁慶 (Κούκλα Μαΐου) - «Gogatsu Ningyô Benkei»

A charming ‘Gogatsu ningyô’ 五月人形 (May Doll), also known as a ‘Musha ningyô’ 武者人形 (samurai doll), depicting the legendary warrior monk Benkei (1155–1189), portrayed in a child-like figure.

Benkei is shown in a dynamic pose, with one hand stretched out. He is dressed in lavish silk brocaded garments and carries a backpack filled with Buddhist manuscripts on his back. His head is adorned with a small black lacquered hat, a symbol of his Yamabushi sect of Buddhism, and his long black hair flows straight, with a short ponytail in front.

In his right hand, he holds a long wooden staff with a cloth point, and a tachi sword is tucked into his obi belt. His eyes are filled with glass and his face has a lively expression.
He is mounted on a base wrapped in traditional Japanese tortoiseshell patterned washi paper.
Comes with a gold background plate.

Benkei was renowned for his great strength and unwavering loyalty, serving Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the hero of the Japanese medieval epic Taira Monogatari. As a member of the Yamabushi sect, known for their exceptional warrior skills, he is easily recognized by the small black cap he wears.

May Dolls, like this one, are traditionally displayed on May 5th during the Boys' Festival. They celebrate the birth of a boy and carry hopes that he will grow up to be a strong, healthy, and intelligent adult.

Period: Japan – Shôwa period (1926-1989).

Size
Height 31 cm
Width 31.5 cm
Depth 23 cm.