Karekimozu-zu (枯れ木鵙図) by Miyamoto Musashi

On the left, brush-painted by Miyamoto Musashi, a Japanese swordman who never lost a battle during his life as a samurai. It is said that he expressed himself as the shrike and his sword as the bush. But, why? A man as strong as Musashi could choose to be seen as a falcon or even an eagle, but why a shrike?

I am fascinated by his life story and how he lived his life, so decided to recreate his painting.

My painting is on the right.