Minamoto Tapestries
Description: Minamoto (源) was one of the surnames bestowed by the Emperors of Japan upon members of the imperial family who were excluded from the line of succession and demoted into the ranks of the nobility. The practice was most prevalent during the Heian period (794–1185 AD), although its last occurrence was during the Sengoku period. The Minamoto were one of four great clans that dominated Japanese politics during the Heian period — the other three were the Fujiwara, the Taira, and the Tachibana. This is the kamon (family crest) of the Minamoto clan, Sasa Rindo (笹竜胆) or “Gentiana flowers upon bamboo”. Below the crest is “Minamoto” in kanji.
Description: Minamoto Kamon Sasa Rindo in Silver Foil. Sasa Rindo (笹竜胆), meaning "Gentiana and Bamboo", in silver foil texture, the kamon of Minamoto clan in kamakura jidai. Cool kamon design suitable for Japanese or samurai fan, also can be given as a gift to your friends or family who use this kamon as their family crest.
Description: Yoshitsune “義経”, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, one of the greatest and the most popular warriors in the late Heian and early Kamakura periods, and also considered as one of the most famous samurai fighters in the history of Japan. Kamakura God of War “鎌倉戰神” is the praise given to Yoshitsune for his great achievement in military and bravery in battle. In the background is kamon of Minamoto clan, Sasa Rindo (笹竜胆) or “Gentiana flowers upon bamboo”.
Description: The Maruni Sasa Rindo (丸に笹竜胆) kamon, meaning "Gentian and Bamboo in a Ring". The design features the traditional Japanese kamon, or family crest, in a beautiful gold wax seal style, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty and symbolism of traditional Japanese design and samurai culture.
Description: Kiyomori “清盛”, Taira Kiyomori (平清盛) was the head of Taira clan, a military leader of the late Heian period of Japan. He established the first samurai-dominated administrative government in the history of Japan. Pillars of Taira clan “平氏の棟梁”, was referring to his position of clan leader. In the background is kamon of Taira clan, Ageha-cho (揚羽蝶) or “Swallowtail Butterfly”.
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”.
