Genbun era (1736–1741) Donated by Saitō Shōji
Also known as Kamo Dolls, these dolls are said to have originated during the Genbun era (1736–1741) when the zasshō (people in charge of miscellaneous tasks) at Kamo Shrine in Kyoto used scraps of the priests’ robes and the surplus materials from making wooden ritual objects to craft them. They are distinguished by use of the kimekomi technique, in which grooves are incised in the wooden base, and fabric tucked into the grooves. Early examples had expressive faces and naturalistic forms, but these particular dolls are thought to be from a later period.
Here, we see a scene from Funa Benkei, a Noh play depicting the escape of the warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his retainer Benkei.