Japanese Art – “Battle of the Lances”

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Battle of the Lances
Artist: Yoshitsuya Koko (1822-1866)
Date: 1847- 1850
Size: 29.5 by 14.6 inches

Description: The Shogun Yoritomo watches a simulated battle between soldiers equipped with short yari versus soldiers equipped with long yari. The soldiers with short yari, (on the left), are led by Noriyori, and Yoshitsune leads the soldiers with the long yari.

This mock battle is a training exercise conducted in preparation for the decisive battle at Ichinotani, which would crush the remaining Heike clan.

When I first saw this print I thought it depicted a scene where Oda Nobunga discusses the merit of using long spears instead of short spears in battle. However everything I can find regarding this print confirms the above listed description.

As a spearman I really like this print. I like the way it depicts foot soldiers, and spear strategy. It also shows how destructive a well-organized and drilled team of spearmen could be. I mean, there is just no way one could penetrate that wall of spear blades (if there were blades instead of protective padding on these polearms).

I hope one day I get the opportunity to add this print to my collection.

If anyone knows where I can find a copy please let me know. Thanks.