Japanese Print "Nasu no Yoichi at Dan no Ura" by Unknown
Artist:Unknown
Title:Nasu no Yoichi at Dan no Ura
Date:1720s
Details:More information...
Source:Worcester Art Museum
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Description:
This 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.