Battle of the Genji and Heike Forces
Japanese
Description
During the Genpei War (1180–85), the most famous battle in Japanese history, the Heike (also known as Taira) and Genji (also known as Minamoto) clans struggled to gain control of Kyoto, the Heian- period (794–1185) capital. Tales of this legendary war were spread throughout Japan by itinerant monks, who sang of it while playing the biwa, a stringed
instrument much like a lute. Over the following centuries, the story was also recorded in what came to be known as Tales of the Heike. Stories from these tales
became the subjects of Noh and kabuki theater, as well as many paintings and prints.
Here, the Heike forces, in samurai armor, approach by ship from the left, while Genji forces rush to the shore on horseback and on foot. This draws the viewer’s attention to the center of the composition, where the confrontation will take place. The Heike forces can be identified by the red banners on their ships, while the Genji clan carries white banners. This
combination of colors is seen today in Japan’s flag.
Summer 2024 Gallery Rotation
Subject Matter:
The most renowned battle in Japan took place in the twelfth century over control of the Heian (794-1185) capitol of Kyoto. This legendary tale was spread by itinerant monks who sang of the drama while playing the biwa, a stringed instrument much like a lute, as they travelled Japan. The details of the struggles for power between the Heike (also known as Taira) and Genji (also known as Minamoto) clans were recorded in what came to be known as the Heike Monogatari (Tale of Heike) over the following centuries. Along with the Tale of Genji, the Heike Monogatari is one of the most famous stories in all of Japan.
Physical Description:
This 6-fold screen is a depiction of the Battle of Genji and Heike. In samurai armor, the Heike forces approach by ship from the left, while Genji forces rush to the shore on horseback and on foot—drawing the viewer’s attention to the center of the screens, where their confrontation will finally take place. The Heike forces can be identified by the red banners on their ships, while the Genji clan carries white banners.
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