Description HOGEN KIJOKUNI: A SIX-PANEL BYOBU SCREEN DEPICTING A SCENE FROM THE BATTLE OF ICHINOTANIBy Hogen Kijokuni (active 1813-1830), signed Hogen Kijokuni with a kakihan and sealJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The wooden frame with gilt-metal fittings with finely chased foliate and ring-punched decoration. Finely painted in ink, watercolors, and gold on a gold-leaf ground to depict the famous soldier Kumagai Naozane of the Minamoto clan pursuing the young warrior Taira no Atsumori, both on horseback, fully clad in armor, and with fierce expressions. Kumagai is accompanied by his retinue, while Atsumori is alone and will soon perish. All surrounded by thick clouds and gnarled pine trees. Signed lower left HOGEN KIJOKUNI with a kakihan and illegible seal.SIZE 376 x 178 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, tears, small losses, soiling, possibly minor old touchups.Provenance: Czech private collection, acquired at Vltavin, 15 November 2009, Prague, lot 90.Ichi-no-Tani is one of the most famous battles of the Genpei War, in large part due to the individual combats that occurred there. Benkei, probably the most famous of all warrior monks, fought alongside the Minamoto Yoshitsune here, and many of the Taira's most important and powerful warriors were present as well.During the battle of Ichi-no-Tani, Atsumori and Kumagai met on the beach at Suma, as the main Genji force approached and the Heike fled to their ships. As it is told in the Heike Monogotari, Kumagai caught up with Atsumori, who was fleeing on horseback. Kumagai managed to throw Atsumori from his horse and ripped off the helmet of the prone Atsumori. It was then that Kumagai realized that he had caught a young prince, based on the fine makeup and robes. Atsumori then tells Kumagai to take his head, but Kumagai hesitates because Atsumori reminded him of his own son, roughly the same age. Kumagai wished to spare Atsumori's life, due to his kind nature, but saw that his fellow Genji soldiers were approaching. Tearfully he promises to recite prayers to Atsumori and cuts off his head.