The Hōgen and Heiji Rebellions: The Battle of Rokuhara Palace

In the mid-12th century, the Hōgen and Heiji rebellions sparked the rivalry between the Taira and Minamoto clans, whose clashes led to the rise of the samurai in Japanese politics. In the center of the image is Taira no Shigemori, eldest son of Regent Taira no Kiyomori, who in 1559 resisted the Minamoto assault on Rokuhara Palace. The butterfly on the awning represents the heraldic emblem of the Taira clan.

David Almazán. Exhibition “The Spirit of the Samurai”. Itiner Network 2025