Portrait of Bekki Dousetsu/ Fukugon-ji Temple

Bekki Dousetsu (1513-1585) was the founder of the Tachibana family and the foster father of Tachibana Muneshige, the lord of the Yanagawa domain.
He was born in Yoroigatake Castle as a son of the Bekki family; a branch family of the Otomo clan which dominated the northern Kyushu region.
Dousetsu went to his first battle when he was 17 years old. After that, he fought actively in a number of battles until he died from an illness in a military camp at the age of 73. He was devotedly loyal to the Otomo clan throughout his life and was renowned as a fearless warrior.
In 1571, Dousetsu was put in charge of Tachibanayama Castle, which was located in an important strategic point overlooking Hakata Bay.
In 1575, he passed the castle on to his only daughter, seven-year-old Ginchiyo, since he had no male heir.
In 1581, he adopted Muneshige, the son of his fellow soldier. Afterwards, he decided to make Muneshige marry his daughter. Accordingly, Muneshige acquired the castle and the headship of the family.
The powerful eyes in this portrait are uniquely captivating.