SIGNED MIYAO ZO, MEIJI PERIOD (LATE 19TH CENTURY)

Saito Musashibo Benkei (ca.1155-89) was a loyal retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189), and both historical figures were the subject of numerous myths and legends described in popular literature, theatre, songs and depicted in paintings, prints and other decorative arts. This particular subject is the legend of Benkei displaying his incredible brute strength by stealing the enormous bell of Miidera Temple and dragging it up a mountain.

For a similar example in the Victoria and Albert Museum, see www.vam.ac.uk, accession number FE.12:1 to 4-2003.