Benkei Tank Tops

Benkei praying with beads, at full moon, in a storm at sea raised by the spirits of his opponents. Woodblock print on green tea paper. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1886

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”.

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.

To protect his friend, Benkei Musashibo makes the ultimate sacrifice. Though struck with an uncountable number of arrows, the opposing army fails to knock him down. Even in death, Benkei strikes an intimidating figure

Benkei is a Japanese hero known for his bravery, able to defeat many samurai and demons. Behind him is a ginkgo leaf

Benkei refuses to let Yoshitsune and his army pass over Gojo bridge. After vanquishing 1000 foes, Yoshitsune manages to best him and the two would go on to become the best of allies.

Benkei refuses to let Yoshitsune and his army pass over Gojo bridge. After vanquishing 1000 foes, Yoshitsune manages to best him and the two would go on to become the best of allies.

Benkei Bridge (弁慶橋, Benkei bashi) by Tsuchiya Koitsu (土屋光逸, 1870-1949), a Japanese artist famous for his ukiyo-e and hanga.

The Warrior-priest Benkei stands in the prow of a ship, reciting prayers to calm a sudden storm caused by the enemies of his master, Minamoto no Yoshitsune. The waves crash around the vessel, yet Benkei remains serene.

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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.