Folding screen with samurai battle - Lacquered wood, Silk, Gold leaf, Paper - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

An interesting tall six-panel folding screen 屏風 (byôbu) depicting one of the most celebrated episodes from the fourteenth-century epic The Tale of the Heike 平家物語 (Heike monogatari): Nasu no Yoichi 那須与一 shooting the fan target during the Battle of Yashima 屋島の戦い in 1185.

Following the retreat of the Taira clan 平氏 (Heishi) forces to their ships, a small boat was sent forward carrying an elegantly dressed court lady. Standing beneath a shelter at the bow, she presented a fan mounted on a pole as a challenge to the opposing Minamoto clan 源氏 (Genji) warriors. Minamoto commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune 源義経 ordered the renowned archer Nasu no Yoichi to attempt the difficult shot. According to The Tale of the Heike, Yoichi rode his horse out into the water and struck the fan with a single arrow, a feat said to have been applauded by warriors on both sides.

At the centre, Yoichi is shown mounted in the waves, his bow aimed as he just released his shot towards the Taira vessel. To the left, the court lady stands aboard the smaller boat with the arrow flying past her head, and the folding fan frozen in the air as it was struck from the pole.

Beyond her the Taira forces gather along the shore and on their vessels. On the opposite side, large boats crowded with armoured Minamoto warriors approach across the deep blue water. In the foreground, mounted Minamoto warriors move along the shore beneath old pine trees 松 (matsu), bows and arrows at the ready.

Executed in pigments and ink on mulberry paper with extensive gold leaf with some vibrant orange lines along the ridges of the helmets. The painting is bordered by patterned silk brocade and set within a black lacquered wooden frame with protective metal fittings.

Period: Japan – Meiji period (1868–1912).
Dimensions:
Total width 371.2 cm (2 × 63.2 cm, 4 × 61.2 cm); Height 170.7 cm.

Considering its age, the folding screen is in very good restored condition with traces of wear consistent with age on both sides. Restorations include localised repairs and touch-ups to the gold leaf, as well as areas of repapering to the reverse. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.

The folding screen is well suited for mounting flat on a wall and presenting as a single work of art, but can also be displayed as a standalone piece.

When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.