- Collection type
- Object
- Description
- Balancing netsuke toggle of stained ivory, representing two figures from the 'Gojo Bridge Story', the smaller one standing on the head of the tall one.
- Geographical reference
- Cultural groups
- Japanese
- Date / Period
- Date made: Before 27/06/1922
- Date collected
- By 27 June 1922
- Acquisition information
- Loaned: 1944 Donated: 1980
- Materials and processes
- Material Animal Ivory Tooth, Material Pigment, Process Carved, Process Stained, Process Perforated
- Dimensions
- Height: max 160 mm
- Object numbers
- Accession number: 1980.34.415 Other numbers: 1525 4219
- Research and responses
Benkei was a hero of the 12th century. One of the stories about him is that he posted himself at one end of the bridge of Gojo and challenged all comers to a fight. One day he was defeated by Yoshitsune (also called Ushiwaka), who was smaller but better trained in swordfighting. Benkei then became Yoshitsune's follower. See 'Legend in Japanese Art' by Joly, p. 20/21. [El.B 25/01/2012]
1980.34.415
Balancing netsuke toggle of stained ivory, representing two figures from the 'Gojo Bridge Story', the smaller one standing on the head of the tall one.
On display
1980.34.415
Digital asset copyright: Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford
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