Danjūrō VII's Benkei as Fudō Myōō

ca. 1824
Not on view
Benkei is an armed and courageous warrior. Seated on a pile of humans, this character presents overlapping images of the superpowerful heroes Benkei and Fudō Myōō (Immovable Guardian King of the Buddhist Law), holding a sword and a rosary.

Fudō Myōō, particularly at the Shinshōji temple in Narita, is a protector of the Ichikawa family. This surimono, a privately commissioned print, might have been a New Year's gift to celebrate the birth of the future Danjūrō VIII.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Danjūrō VII's Benkei as Fudō Myōō
  • Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Japanese, 1786–1864)
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: ca. 1824
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper
  • Dimensions: 8 7/16 x 7 3/8 in. (21.4 x 18.7 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1921
  • Object Number: JP1251
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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