Nasu no Yoichi at Dan no Ura

Artist/Culture Japanese

Date1720s

Mediumwoodblock print; ink on paper; hand-colored; sumizuri-e, beni-e, urushi-e

Dimensions27.6 x 16.8 cm (10 7/8 x 6 5/8 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection

Terms

Object number1901.297

Label TextThis is probably the left sheet of a diptych depicting the renowned feat of archery performed by the Minamoto warrior Nasu no Yoichi at the battle of Yashima in 1185. As recounted in volume 11 of the war chronicle Tale of the Heike (Heike Monogatari), the youthful Yoichi vowed to break his bow and commit ritual suicide if he failed to hit the fan hoisted provocatively on a ship of the opposing Taira (Heike) fleet, anchored far offshore. To get within arrow range, he is here shown riding on his black horse a little way into the sea. Watching from behind are the Minamoto general Yoshitsune, who ordered Yoichi to accept the challenge, Yoshitsune's loyal henchman, the warrior Benkei and other warriors of lesser rank. Benkei is represented bearing the nanatsu dogu (the seven weapons he traditionally carried.

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