WB-SAM020 - Banzuinn Chobei
Banzuiin Chobei was a historical street tough or otokodate (street knight) who, according to later fictionalised portrayals of his life in literature and drama, fought against injustices, to protect the common people from the abuses of the samurai aristocracy.
Born in Karatsu as Tsukamoto Itaro, he established himself in the Asakusa district, leading a band of machi-yakko (early yakuza) and founded an employment agency for ronin. Trained as a warrior, he was renowned for his swordsmanship. In Asakusa, Chobei led a kumi (group or gang) opposing the hatamoto-yakko seeking to control the area's markets. Finally, history tells us he was eventually killed by said hatamoto Mizuno Jurozaemon.
The Last Days of Banzuiin Chobei is a dramatic scene from a kabuki drama about his final days. His enemy, the samurai Jurozaemon, attacks him while at a bathhouse and without his weapons lunging at Chobei with his spear, while another attacker thrusts with his sword. With an angry grimace, Chobei pushes away the handle of the spear while defending himself with a makeshift weapon against the katana. Unable to kill him in combat, his enemies lock the doors setting the bathhouse alight ending the life of this Japanese folk hero.
Pack contains one miniature.
Miniatures supplied unpainted and may require assembly. Spears (if applicable) and 25mm MDF round bases supplied.
