Absolute Auction – “Battle of Uji River” (First Across the River) by Shunko – Taisho to Showa Period - Shunko (春香) - Japan (No Reserve Price)

Absolute Auction – No Reserve.

An impressive and dynamic Japanese hanging scroll (kakejiku) by Shunko (春香),
depicting the legendary “Battle of Uji River” (Uji-gawa Senjin-zu) —
one of the most iconic episodes of samurai bravery in Japanese history.

This scene portrays the dramatic race between Kajiwara Kagesue and Sasaki Takatsuna,
two valiant samurai serving under Minamoto no Yoritomo,
as they compete to be the first to cross the raging Uji River and strike the enemy forces.
This heroic episode, immortalized in The Tale of the Heike,
has long been celebrated as a symbol of courage, rivalry, and the Bushido spirit.

Shunko’s delicate brushwork and masterful control of ink and color
brilliantly capture the motion of the horses, the spray of the river,
and the fearless energy of the warriors pressing forward through the current.
The faint wooden bridge in the background evokes depth and atmosphere,
while the balanced composition conveys both power and elegance.

Painted in ink and mineral pigments on silk,
this scroll exemplifies the sophistication of early 20th-century Nihonga,
where historical narrative meets poetic serenity.

Mounted with blue-gold brocade and finished with wooden roller ends,
this piece radiates both the dignity and vitality of the samurai spirit.

Details:

Artist: Shunko (春香)

Title: “Battle of Uji River” (Uji-gawa Senjin-zu)

Period: Taisho to Showa Period (early 20th century)

Medium: Hand-painted on silk (kenpon chakushoku)

Technique: Ink and mineral pigments on silk

Dimensions:

Total: 193 cm × 52.5 cm

Painting: 110 cm × 34.5 cm

Roller ends: Wood

Condition: Good – light creases and minor aging consistent with period; colors remain vivid and well-preserved.

Shipping: Secure international shipping from Japan with tracking and professional packaging.

A powerful and poetic samurai painting that captures the valor and elegance of Japan’s warrior age —
a true collector’s piece for admirers of Japanese art, Bushido culture, and historical painting.



We use Japan post as a usual shipping method.

Dear French buyers

If you not receive the items within 2 weeks , please check the category "Recommended Letter (lettre recommandée) "with the tracking number our provided on the French Postal office online ("LaPoste.fr").

Dear Italian buyers

If you are an individual, please tell me codice fiscale by message at the time of payment. (If you are a legal entity, partia IVA)
Due to the recent tightening of Italian customs inspections, we cannot deliver the object to you without the above number.
However, due to extremely high shipping volumes at this time, delivery may take over three months.
Thank you for your understanding.

Dear Valued Buyers in Europe, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. Thanks to your continued support, I have been able to carry on my business for more than ten years. As of June 28, 2025, new regulations have taken full effect in the European Union concerning the importation of cultural property from outside the EU. Under these rules, when items are classified as “Cultural Property” or as antiques over 100 years old, and they are not accompanied by an Export Permit for Cultural Property, certain restrictions may apply under both Italian law and EU regulations. This Export Permit for Cultural Property has traditionally been required when exporting items such as swords, and obtaining it generally takes about one month. For this reason, when shipping hanging scrolls that are more than 100 years old, I will continue to use the same HS code as for those less than 100 years old. I sincerely ask for your kind understanding regarding this matter. With gratitude and respect,