Battle of Dan-no-ura Illustration

This scene from the Heike Monogatari Emaki illustrates the Battle of Dan-no-ura (1185), a pivotal naval clash in the Genpei War. Samurai in ō-yoroi armor, likely Minamoto clan, engage in combat. Gold clouds enhance the drama, a hallmark of emakimono. The image may depict Taira no Tomomori’s fall or child emperor Antoku’s tragic fate, highlighting themes of impermanence and heroism central to this medieval epic.