Benkei - Demon Warrior Monk Calligraphy Canvas Print

Benkei “弁慶”, Musashibo Benkei (武蔵坊弁慶), a Japanese warrior monk who lived in the latter years of the Heian Period, commonly depicted as a man of great strength and loyalty, and a popular subject of Japanese folklore. Benkei led a varied life, first becoming a monk, then a mountain ascetic, and then a rogue warrior, later came to respect and serve the famous warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Demon alike warrior monk “鬼若僧兵”, Oniwaka (鬼若, demon alike) was referring to his appearance when he was born with wild hair and long teeth. In the background is kamon of Minamoto clan, Sasa Rindo (笹竜胆) or “Gentiana flowers upon bamboo”.