Benkei Hats
Description: The 6 foot tall warrior monk Benkei stood guard at the bridge to Koromogawa castle in an attempt to allow his master to perform seppuku alone. Slaying over 300 soldiers single handedly, the enemy turned to shoot and kill Benkei with arrows instead. Long after the battle should have been over, the soldiers noticed that the arrow-riddled, wound-covered Benkei was still standing. When the soldiers dared to cross the bridge and take a closer look, the giant man fell to the ground, having died standing upright.
Description: 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”.
Description: Benkei Bridge at Akasaka (赤坂弁慶橋, Akasaka Benkeibashi) by Kawase Hasui (川瀬巴水), a Japanese artist famous for his ukiyo-e and hanga. Restored Vintage Japanese painting featuring the Benkei Bridge at Akasaka, suitable for people who love vintage Japanese painting and scenery of Japan. Perfect gift for vintage painting lover and Japanese lover.
