The poet Saigyō (1118-1190), Fushimi dolls

Saigyō was an actual historical person. His common name was Satō Norikiyo, and he was a samurai guarding the north gate of Emperor Toba’s palace. He renounced the material world and became a priest, traveling throughout Japan by foot creating many famous episodes. He was admired as a great poet and was often depicted as an itinerant monk with a wrapping cloth on his back. It is a visual representation of the moral teaching that even if you fall and break your neck you are steadfast and will not let go of the possessions on your back. It is considered a talisman to protect from burglary.