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Two Battles from the Genpei War: Ichinotani and Yashima

first half 17th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
These screens depict battles fought at the height of civil wars between two rival clans, the Minamoto and the Taira, that traumatized people living in Kyoto and other parts of Japan in the 1100s. The events represented here occurred during the Genpei War (1180–85) and became common themes in literature and the visual and performing arts from the medieval period onward. These two battles were often paired in folding screens of the 1600s. At Ichinotani in the spring of 1184 and then at Yashima the following spring, the Minamoto overcame Taira strongholds, achieving a more decisive victory soon after. These events led to the establishment of Japan’s first military government headed by a dictatorial shogun.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 源平合戦図屏風 （一の谷・屋島合戦図）
  • Title: Two Battles from the Genpei War: Ichinotani and Yashima
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: first half 17th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Pair of six-panel screens; ink, color, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Each screen: 60 1/4 in. × 11 ft. 5 in. (153 × 348 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Lent by John C. Weber Collection
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art