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Portrait of a Warrior (Minamoto no Yoritomo)

Japanese

Artwork Details

Portrait of a Warrior (Minamoto no Yoritomo)
17th century
Japanese
hanging scroll, ink and color on silk
46 7/16 x 19 9/16 in. (117.95 x 49.69 cm); ;
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Province M. Henry
1955/1.266

Description

Subject Matter:

Minamoto no Yoritomo"(1147-99). Founder of the Kamakura Shogunate (1192-1333), the first warrior government of Japan. Yoritomo was the third son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo. Through a series of battles, Yoritomo and his followers defeated the Taira family and consolidated power over almost all of Japan. During the conflicts, however, Yoritomo's relationship with his younger brother Yoshitsune deteriorated. Eventually, Yoshitsune was forced to commit ritual suicide, and Yoritomo became shogun. Military chronicles such as the Heike monogatari, Gikeiki, and Gempei seisuiki portray Yoritomo as shrewd, calculating, and even ruthless; however, it was these very qualities that enabled Yoritomo to establish Japan's first warrior government, the basic structure of which would survive for nearly 700 years. (adapted from Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha, 1993)"

“Minamoto No Yoritomo.” Minamoto No Yoritomo | Japan Module, www.japanpitt.pitt.edu/glossary/minamoto-no-yoritomo.

Physical Description:

A man in red armor is sitting cross-legged on a green mat. Behind him to the left, there is a table with a gold dragon on top. Behind him on the wall, there is an inscription.

Usage Rights:

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