NARRATIVES OF A SUMARAI WAR. JAPANESE BATTLE ALWAYS STARTD WITH 2 SIDES AND 1 PERSON FROM EACH SIDE WILL STEP FORWARD TO CHALLENGE A COMBAT. THEY MADE LOUD DECLAMATION OF THE CHALLENGES OF THE CHALLENGER'S PEDIGREE. THEY GLORIFIED THEIR ANCESTOR AND MARTIAL DEEDS. THEN THEY AIMED TO END UP WITH THE ENEMY'S HEAD. THE ELEMENTS IN THE ILLUSTRATION WAS INSPIRED BY THE 'BUSHIDO', THE WARRIOR CODE DEVELOPED FROM THE CHINESE CONCEPT OF THE VIRTUE OF WARRIORS.

 

"I HAVE NO PARENTS; I MAKE THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH MY PARENT.

I HAVE NO HOME; I MAKE THE TANTIEN MY HOME.

I HAVE NO DIVINE POWER; I MAKE HONESTLY MY DIVINE POWER.

I HAVE NO MEANS; I MEAN DOCILITY MY MEAN.

I HAVE NO MAGICAL POWER; I MAKE PERSONALITY MY MAGIC POWER.

I HAVE NEITHER LIFE NOR DEATH; I MAKE A UM MY LIFE AND DEATH. ..."