Title : Gosho Ningyö (Palace Doll)

Artist : Kawase Hasui

Date : c. 1930

Details : More information...

Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
Browse all 5471 prints...

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-)

Download Image