The Battle of Ichinotani [right of a pair of Scenes from the Tale of the Heike] c. mid 17th century

This is a painted screen by an artist of the Kano School depicting the Battle of Ichinotani. The Kano School was particularly dominant during the Edo period in Japan. The screen presents a bird’s-eye view of the battle, a key event in the Genpei War. The visual codes within the screen, such as the detailed depiction of samurai armor and weaponry, along with the use of gold leaf, elevate the status of the warrior class. The painting reflects the Edo period's emphasis on military prowess and social hierarchy. The Kano School was patronized by the shogunate, and the imagery often reinforced the legitimacy and power of the ruling elite. To fully appreciate this screen, we need to examine historical texts and genealogies, and understand the patronage networks and the cultural values of the Edo period. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.