MIYAMOTO MUSASHI

original name Miyamoto Masana, also called Niten born 1584, Mimasaka or Harima, Japan died June 13, 1645, Higo famous Japanese soldier-artist of the early Tokugawa period (16031867). An artist of sumi-e, or ink painting, he painted in a powerful and direct style with an amazing economy of strokes. He is particularly remembered for his paintings of birds, such as Koboku meikakuzu (Shrike Perched in a Dead Tree) and Rozanzu (Wild Geese Among Reeds). All of his extant works are in ink monochrome. To improve his swordsmanship he traveled extensively so that he could challenge other swordsmen. He invented the nitoryu, or fencing with two swords.