A superb antique Japanese Toso and Gofun Ningyo of Saito Musashibō Benkei 西塔武蔵坊弁慶 (1155–1189), the mighty Yamabushi samurai who lived in the latter years of the Heian Period (794–1185). He is commonly depicted as a man of great strength and loyalty, and a popular subject of Japanese folklore showcased in many ancient and modern literature and arts.

In a sculptural composition that shows the warrior monk Benkei is forging ahead wrestling with two samurai, at the splitting moment as his right foot is trampling on the back of a samurai who has fallen to the ground, while throwing a crying samurai over his shoulders. The work is dynamic and literally sweeping with force. Here the facial features of Benkei are handsomely sculpted with dignity, showing a countenance of resolute power in command of the conflict. The figure characterizations are intricate, virile with a lighthearted approach. All three figures have been delicately hand painted in dense florals and gold motifs, with a natural patina acquired through time, reflecting the gem-like opulence of the Meiji era past, when Japanese Ningyo dolls first recognized to be in a class of its own after the 1900 Universal Exposition in Paris.