Hagoita with kabuki figure of Benkei, 1950-1960

Description

Hagoita from the mid-Showa period.   A hagoita is a paddle used to play the game of hanetsuki, somewhat similar to badminton (but without a net) and usually played on New Year’s Day.  This hagoita, however, is purely decorative; it shows the warrior Benkei as portrayed in a kabuki play.