Revenge of the Taira Warriors 1843 - 1847

"Revenge of the Taira Warriors" is a woodblock print from 1843 to 1847 by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This dynamic triptych, measuring 14 3/4 inches high by 9 7/8 inches wide per panel, depicts a dramatic scene from Japanese history. It captures the moment when the Taira clan, enemies of the Minamoto, are caught in a furious storm at sea. Kuniyoshi's use of bold colors, dynamic lines, and exaggerated forms brings a sense of urgency and chaos to the scene, showcasing the power of the natural world and the fate of those caught within it. The work is a prime example of the "ukiyo-e" style, a popular genre in 19th century Japan that often depicted scenes from history, mythology, and everyday life. This particular print is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.