Gosho Ningyö (Palace Doll)
Artist: Kawase Hasui
Name: Gosho Ningyö (Palace Doll)
Date: c. 1930
Source: Honolulu Museum of Art
Description: This boy is portraying Benkei, a main character in the Kabuki play, “Kanjinchö,” translated into English as “Faithful Retainer.” This play is based on an actual historical event. Benkei was a faithful retainer to Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189). Yoshitsune was accused and chased by Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147-1199), a Kamakura period shögun (ruling 1192-1199) and Yoshitsune’s half brother. Benkei and Yoshitsune are disguised as mountain monks on a journey to raise funds for the rebuilding of the Tödaiji Temple. This play is one of the “Eighteen Best Plays” of the Ichikawa family. (from “Doll! Doll! Doll! / Kawase Hasui” exhibition, 2/14/2003-)
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