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Signed with a seal Ukanshi Ritsuo (1663-1747)
A pair of hanging scroll; ink and color
33x88.5 cm
Cat. 265946
© The Field Museum
The woman on the left is Empress Jingu active in the 3rd century. She was the mother of Ojin, the 15th emperor of Japan. A semi-legendary figure, she is said to have conquered three Korean kingdoms -- Silla, Kokuryo, and Pekeche –- while she was pregnant with the future emperor. Put a rock in her sash to delay the delivery, she didn't give birth to the future emperor until three years later after conquering Korea. Jingu is now still worshipped among Japanese women as the goddess of safe delivery. Because of her success in the war, she is also regarded as the Goddess of War.
The figure on the right facing us is Jingu's minister Takenouchi Sukune. In Japanese arts, he is always seen accompanying Empress Jingu. His attendant is sitting on the ground with his back facing us.
Although these are figures of the 3rd century, they are dressed and armed in the style of the warriors in Heian period (A.D. 794-1185). The remarkably long bow in Jingu's hands is made of bamboo and measures about seven feet, taller than Jingu herself. The arrows she carries on her back are three feet long, decorated with hawk feathers at the top. The curved swords both Jingu and Takenouchi are carrying on their waists are important weapons for ancient warriors. They are symbols of honor which only a few warriors are privileged to carry.
Their armor is in Oyoroi style, featuring a low, rounded helmet, wide neck-guard, and two broad body plates. The breast plates hanging in front of Jingu's and Takenouchi's right breasts are exquisitely decorated.
The painting is boldly colored and stylistically painted. The artist seemed to have a special interest in using gold, applying sparkling gold powder to the edges of the painting as well as the figures' helmets, sword, and clothes.
The signature at the bottom reads "Ukanshi Ritsuo at his sixty-six," which means this painting was done in 1726. Ukanshi Ritsuo is a famous lacquerer living in Edo, said to have learned painting from Hanabusa Itcho (1652-1724). Although mainly famous for his lacquer work, he also produced paintings on a variety of subjects.
(Commentary by Juan Peng)