\\\"A Taka\\\"
We are witnessing one of the most famous scenes in one of the most famous stories in Japanese history. In 1187, the Minamoto family ended Japan’s “classical” period and began the age of the samurai. But at its heart lies a family tragedy. Yoritomo, the oldest Minamoto brother, was a brilliant and ruthless politician; Yoshitsune, his younger brother, was an equally brilliant general who was responsible for the great victories of the Minamoto. Yoshitsune was loved by many, but was politically naïve; the courtiers in Kyoto used him against Yoritomo, and Yoritomo set out to destroy him.
To escape, Yoshitsune disguised himself as a servant to his faithful retainer, Benkei, who was a warrior monk. In this scene, Benkei, a giant of a man, has been stopped at a checkpoint by Yoritomo’s followers. (“A Taka” is the name of the checkpoint.) We can imagine Yoshitsune, in the rags of a servant, kneeling at Benkei’s side. In order to pass through the checkpoint, Benkei must read a scroll proving that he is on a religious mission—but there’s the problem: the scroll is blank. Benkei improvises desperately; but he is no actor. Benkei, holding back his tears, even strikes Yoshitsune to make the charade more convincing. Everyone can see he is faking it. But, miraculously, the commander lets them pass. He has been moved by Benkei’s desperate if incompetent show of loyalty, and there is no higher value than loyalty in medieval Japan. Of course, the story ends tragically. Yoshitsune and Benkei die, and Yoritomo establishes dominion over Japan. But it is Benkei and Yoshitsune who conquer the imagination of generations of Japanese.
Benkei’s kimono alludes to his violent times. His upper kimono has a design that is reminiscent of a horned kabuta, or samurai helmet. His hakama (trousers) display Yoshitsune’s mon, or coat of arms; they are the circular pattern, which also symbolizes thunder. We can clearly see the cloud design, as well. The rectangular pattern actually represents rain. We can imagine the stormy and violent future awaiting Benkei and Yoshitsune.
Weight: 14 ounces; Height: 8 inches
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