Taiheki Picture Scroll, Scroll Six

This scroll painting depicts a scene from the Taiheiki, a historical epic written in the 14th century about a period of war in Japan between the Northern Court of Ashikaga Takauji in Kyoto and the Southern Court of Emperor Go-Daigo in Yoshino. This is the sixth scroll in the first set of twelve volumes and reflects the contents of Chapter 16 to Chapter 18. The story includes Ashikaga Takauji, who confronted Emperor Go-Daigo and fled to Kyushu the Kamakura Shogunate was overthrown, heading back to the capital (Kyoto) and Nitta Yoshisada escaping to the northern provinces due to these events. This scroll depicts the scene of the battle between the Ashikaga Clan and the Nitta Clan and Nitta Yoshisada holding long swords in both hands while blocking arrows. It was painted in the first half of the 17th century. Cultural Properties Designated by Saitama Prefecture.