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GENJI AND HEIKE SCREEN

Reference: 2016-349

Four-panels screen illustrating eight painting scenes from The Tales of the Heike (Heike monogatari).

The Tale of the Heike is considered one of the great classics of Japanese literature. It is a 13th century historical epic recounting the rise and fall of the Taira (or Heike) clan in Japan during the Genpei Wars (1180-1185). It is told by biwa hôshi, blind monks accompanied by their biwa instrument. The story focus on the impermanence of life and ephemeral glory, illustrating the Buddhist concept of emptiness.

Japan – Edo period, 18th century (paintings)

Mounted as 4-panels folding screen later

Height: 33 in / 84 cm – length: 69 in / 175 cm

CONTACT THE GALLERY

The central story of The Tale of the Heike is the struggle between two powerful samurai clans: the Taira (or Heike) and the Minamoto (or Genji). Animosity grew between the two as a result of Taira no Kiyomoeri’s growing power at the imperial court in Kyoto. The conflict culminated in a series of battles known as the Genpei Wars. These wars were triggered by a call for insurrection by Minamoto no Yorimasa and Prince Mochihito against the Taira clan. At the final battle of Dan-no-ura (1185), the Taira were crushed, resulting in the death of the infant emperor Antoku and the final downfall of the Taira clan. The Minamoto victory established Minamoto no Yorimoto as Japan’s first shogun, marking the beginning of the Kamakura Shogunate, a period of military rule that lasted until 1333.

AGATE BOWLCHINA MARBLE STAND