The Battle of Dan-no-ura in Yashima, Nagato Province in the First Year of the Bunji Era (1185); c1830
Tokyo. Woodblock print (nishiki-e) with ink and hand-coloring in watercolor on handmade mulberry paper, 14 7/16 x 9 15/16 inches (367 x 252 mm), ōban tate-e, the full sheet. In good condition with some handling creases. Colors are fresh and extremely vibrant. The right panel from the triptych by Yoshitora depicting one of Japan's most storied naval battles. An impression of this work may be found in the permanent collection of the Honolulu Museum of Art.
The great naval battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185 was the final climax in a long series of bitter wars between two powerful families in feudal Japan. The Minamato clan, under their skilled military leader Yoshitsune, defeated the Taira. The protracted naval battle at the narrow straits separating the mainland from the northern tip of Kyushu marked a decisive end to the Gempei War, and set the stage for centuries of samurai rule. This defeat of the Taira forces led to the end of the Taira bid for control of Japan, and resulted in Minamoto no Yoritomo becoming the first shōgun of Japan.
Item number: 1204
Price: $1,500.00
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