Uenaka Chokusai (1885-1977), Tomoe Gozen, Japanese hanging scroll

Art work details

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Tomoe Gozen (巴御前,鞆絵御前）

A female warrior known for her martial prowess during the late Heian period.
She was the concubine of Minamoto no Yoshinaka and daughter of Nakahara Kanetō.
Tomoe Gozen served as a training partner for Yoshinaka’s physical combat techniques like grappling since childhood, gaining his respect and eventually joining the military campaign against the Taira clan.
She is said to have been a commander under Yoshinaka’s army in the Genpei War, with her bravery celebrated throughout Japan; however, there is no definitive historical proof of her existence, and she remains a legendary figure.

Tomoe Gozen was reputedly a very beautiful woman with fair skin and long hair. Yet on the battlefield, she transformed into a formidable warrior skilled in archery and swordsmanship, fearless even against demons or gods.
In 1183, at the Battle of Kurikara Pass, famous for defeating the Taira's 100,000-strong army and turning the tide of the Genpei War, she played a leading role as a commander of a unit.
In 1184, during the Battles of Uji and Seta near the Uji River, she fought alongside Yoshinaka but was defeated by the forces of Minamoto no Noriyori and Yoshitsune.
As Yoshinaka fled after defeat, Tomoe Gozen remained loyal, among the last seven riders including Yoshinaka, Imai Kanpei, Tezuka Mitsumori, and Tezuka Betto, who still resisted.

Yoshinaka said to her, "You are a woman; quickly flee anywhere you can. I intend to die here. It would not look good if Kiso-dono were known to have died while still accompanied by a woman."
Tomoe Gozen, however, did not want to leave his side. Yoshinaka repeatedly urged her to escape. Seeing this, she said, "Ah, I wonder if there is a worthy enemy. I wish to show you my final battle."
Then, Ontano Hachiro Moroshige, famed as a strong warrior from Musashi Province, appeared with about thirty riders.

Tomoe boldly charged into his troops, grabbed Moroshige’s horse, pulled him off, and beheaded him.
After this, she discarded her armor and escaped eastward.

It is said that she later became a nun and moved to Echigo province.
Her exact birth and death dates remain unknown.
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*From the store
This is a rare hanging scroll depicting Tomoe Gozen.

She is a legendary and well-known female warrior in Japan, whose courageous deeds have been passed down through various forms of Japanese art and culture, including many ukiyo-e prints and Noh performances.

In this scene, her brave fighting spirit is portrayed amidst a flurry of flying arrows. The mounting features embroidered wild geese, and together with the pampas grass in the painting, it evokes the late autumn season.

Most warrior paintings depict male figures. It brings me great joy to be able to present this rarely obtainable and magnificent image of a female warrior.

The artist, Chokusai, specialized in bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) and historical paintings. In 1916, he personally inscribed the box, certifying it as his own work.
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Setting weight
This piece weighs 1.25 kg and will be shipped in 100 size.

Material
Japanese pigments on silk

Size
Overall: vertical 198㎝ × width 54.3㎝（77.95 in × 21.38 in）＊width does not include roller ends.
(the work: vertical 114.2㎝ × width 40.8㎝（44.96 in × 16.06 in）)

Condition
・There are burns, stains, wrinkles on the Japanese paper on the back of the cover.
・There are some burns, stains, wrinkles on the image.
・There are burns, stains, wrinkles, warp in the mounting.

Remarks
・Roller ends are lacquerware.
・Tomo-Bako.(Box inscription by the artist.)

Materials for mounting
All of them are made of silk.

Other
There is a note about shipping restrictions and VAT. Please check before purchase.
There may be a slight difference in color between the photo and the actual product.

Notes on shipping
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Biography
Uenaka Chokusai (1885-1977)

Japanese painter of the Meiji and Showa periods.
Born in Nara Prefecture in 1885.
His real name was Naojiro.Other names include Muigai, Yoshinori, and Gaun.
Studied under Fukada Chokujo, Hashimoto Gaho, and Yamamoto Shunkyo.
Exhibited Buddhist paintings at Bunten and Teiten.
Died in 1977 at the age of 91.