Accession Number
1955/1.266

Title
Portrait of a Warrior (Minamoto no Yoritomo)

Artist(s)
Japanese

Artist Nationality
Japanese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
17th century

Medium & Support
hanging scroll, ink and color on silk

Dimensions
46 1/2 in. x 19 5/8 in. ( 118.1 cm x 49.8 cm )

Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Province M. Henry

Subject matter
Minamoto no Yoritomo"(1147-99). Founder of the Kamakura Shogunate (1192-1333), the first warrior government of Japan. Yoritomo was the third son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo. Through a series of battles, Yoritomo and his followers defeated the Taira family and consolidated power over almost all of Japan. During the conflicts, however, Yoritomo's relationship with his younger brother Yoshitsune deteriorated. Eventually, Yoshitsune was forced to commit ritual suicide, and Yoritomo became shogun. Military chronicles such as the Heike monogatari, Gikeiki, and Gempei seisuiki portray Yoritomo as shrewd, calculating, and even ruthless; however, it was these very qualities that enabled Yoritomo to establish Japan's first warrior government, the basic structure of which would survive for nearly 700 years. (adapted from Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha, 1993)"

“Minamoto No Yoritomo.” Minamoto No Yoritomo | Japan Module, www.japanpitt.pitt.edu/glossary/minamoto-no-yoritomo.

Physical Description
A man in red armor is sitting cross-legged on a green mat. Behind him to the left, there is a table with a gold dragon on top. Behind him on the wall, there is an inscription.

Primary Object Classification
Painting

Primary Object Type
hanging scroll

Additional Object Classification(s)
Painting

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
Figures
Japan
dragon
dragons
full-length
hanging scrolls
hats
interior
interiors
male
males
seated
seated figures
sword
swords
table
tables (support furniture)
warriors