An Impressive Bronze Sculpture

SIGNED MIYAO ZO, MEIJI PERIOD (LATE 19TH CENTURY)

细节

An Impressive Bronze Sculpture
Signed Miyao zo, Meiji Period (late 19th century)
Cast as Benkei lifting The Temple Bell of Miidera, details highlighted in rich gilding and silver, on a carved wood stand on four feet decorated in gold hiramaki-e [low relief lacquer] with stylised ho-o birds and scrolling vine
70cm. high

拍品专文

Saito Musashibo Benkei (ca.1155-89) was a loyal retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189), and both historical figures were the subject of numerous myths and legends described in popular literature, theatre, songs and depicted in paintings, prints and other decorative arts. This particular subject is the legend of Benkei displaying his incredible brute strength by stealing the enormous bell of Miidera Temple and dragging it up a mountain.

For a similar example in the Victoria and Albert Museum, see www.vam.ac.uk, accession number FE.12:1 to 4-2003.