Lot Essay
This famous scene of virtuoso archery comes from chapter 11 of the thirteenth-century epic Tale of the Heike. In 1185, a contingent of the Minamoto (or Genji) clan, under the leadership of Yoshitsune, pursue the Taira (or Heike) to Yashima on the shore of Shikoku in the Inland Sea. The Minamoto drive the Taira out to sea. At dusk, a Taira boat rows close to shore and a beautiful young lady emerges from the cabin. She erects a pole with a fan attached to the top and beckons to the men on shore, enticing them to use the fan for target practice. The real intent is to lure the Taira close enough to shoot them. The Minamoto select Nasu no Yoichi, noted for his accuracy. Yoichi rides some thirty-five feet into the sea and launches a shaft that travels unerringly to its mark. Warriors on both sides applaud his achievement.