MEIKEISAI HOJITSU: A FINE IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF BENKEI, KANJINCHO By Meikeisai Hojitsu, signed Meikeisai Hojitsu with kakihan Japan, Edo, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A superbly polished and lightly stained manju netsuke carved in shishiabori (sunken relief) on the front depicting Benkei reading from a Buddhist subscription list. This scene is known as kanjincho. The backside with a finely engraved image of a cane and hat resting on an o’I (travelling straw basket). Signed MEIKEISAI HOJITSU 明鶏齋法實 with kakihan. DIAMETER 4.4 cm Condition: Superb condition. Provenance: English private collection. Benkei is one of the great heroes of the 12th century and became famous for his adventures wrapped in legend. He became friends with another famous hero, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and when the latter was pursued by his brother Yoritomo, Benkei saved him with a genius bluff. They were stopped at a bridge by Yoritomo’s men and Benkei pretended to read from a Buddhist subscription list, identifying themselves as money collectors for the temple of Nara, effectively fooling the guards. This scene is depicted in this netsuke.