Sadahide Utagawa, Gen-Pei, the Battle of Dannoura

During the Edo period, evoking the gallant wars of the samurai from times past was encouraged by the Tokugawa Shogunate and was a dominant theme across painting and print, with its primary source of subject matter taken from the Genpei or Heike Monogatari, which chronicled the Genpei civil war (1180 - 1185). These stories of Genpei were originally written to appease the souls of the defeated warriors and to remind audiences that all warriors, whether they are victorious or in defeat, are upheld by honourable military code.

The Taira clan were finally defeated after the battle of Dan-no-ura. Sadahide Utagawa’s (1807-1873) triptych of this naval battle is as every part as visceral as Kuniyoshi’s iconic style. In a clash of weapons and waves, Sadahide’s triptych conveys that this battle is the final showdown between the two clans. By this time, the Minamoto outnumbered the Taira three times over. Despite the impending defeat, the Taira fought bravely until the end. None of the warriors shown in this print are turning away from their enemy, proving the essence of the Heike Monogatari. Regardless of allegiance, no matter your prospects, every warrior is embraced by a noble samurai code.