Taira no Koremori’s Farewell - Iwasa Matabei

A detailed narrative scene from the Heike monogatari, depicting the departure of Taira no Koremori in the traditional Yamato-e style.

This work depicts a scene from the Heike monogatari, a classic of Japanese literature detailing the conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans. Iwasa Matabei, often credited as a founder of the Ukiyo-e school, employs the traditional Yamato-e style here, characterised by its narrative focus and refined aesthetic. The composition utilises a fukinuki-yatai, or blown-off roof, technique, which allows the viewer to observe the interior activities of the aristocratic figures from an elevated perspective.

The scene captures the emotional weight of Taira no Koremori’s departure. The figures are rendered with expressive facial features, a hallmark of Matabei’s individual approach to characterisation. Their robes display precise patterns, reflecting the social status and the material culture of the period. The architectural elements, such as the dark wooden pillars and the veranda, provide a structured frame for the gathering. Below the main residence, a boat waits near the water, signalling the impending journey.

Matabei’s work bridges the gap between the classical traditions of the Momoyama period and the emerging urban culture of the Edo era. The use of colour is balanced, with deep greens and earthy tones grounding the composition, while the gold accents suggest the opulence of the Taira household. The attention to detail in the surrounding pines and the structural lines of the building demonstrates a high level of technical control. This print offers a window into the narrative art of the seventeenth century, where historical events were translated into visual form through careful observation and stylistic convention.