Antique
Japanese Stag Antler
Netsuke
Benki
Stealing Miidera
Bell
Unsigned. Circa: 18th-early 19th century
H
2 in.(5cm), W 1.5 in.(3.8cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: usage worn, possible restoration This
well worn netsuke depicts Benkei preparing the great bell of the Miidera to be
hauled up the mountain. Known for his great size and strength, we can see Benkei
wrapping his strong arms around the giant bell. The netsuke is tactile and well
designed. Carved from stag horn, the piece has been handled a considerable amount,
and conveys a sense that it has been put to much use and well looked after. Sign
of possible restoration to the bell handle; otherwise in fair condition.
| 
Private Collection
| A
popular military hero and a follower of Yoshitsune, Benkei was born around 1155
A.D. As a child gifted with enormous strength and a violent temper, he was nicknamed
‘Oniwaka‘, or young devil. To curb his wild tendencies, he was sent off to the
monastery of Heizan, where he could settle down in a religous life. This did not
work. One day, Benkei set off to claim the great bell of Miidera, hanging at a
rival monastery, and bring it back to Heizan. After a great struggle hauling the
bell up the mountain where his monastery was located, he proudly strung the bell
up from the temple’s rafters. But when struck, the bell would not ring and instead
, would give off a resounding moan, sounding like; ‘Take me back to Miiiiiideeeeeraaaa’.
Benkei quickly tore down the bell and threw it down the mountain to the monks
from which it came.
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