Japanese Antiques and Japanese Art

Very Fine and Rare Large Edo Period Bunraku Puppet


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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls: Pre 1837 VR: Item # 899333

Please refer to our stock # R292 when inquiring.
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Extremely Rare Edo Period late 18th/early 19th Century Buraku Theater Puppet. This very large puppet was operated by three puppet masters, with an operator manipulating the head and face to create a wide variety of expressions. We think this puppet was used to portray Benkie, the 13th century warrior monk of Hieizan and trusted adviser to Yoshitsune. He wears a black velvet robe and sumptuous textiles and fiercely brandishes his nagitana weapon. It is very unusual for a Bunraku puppet of this quality, age, and size to come up for sale. Height: 48 inches, 122 cm.