'Heiji Monogatari' [Tale of the Heiji Insurrection] and Hogen Monogatari [Tale of the Hogen Insurrection]

These volumes are based on earlier fictionalized accounts of the Hogen Insurrection of 1156 and the Heiji insurrection of 1159, both of which are centred on power struggles within the palace in Kyoto. The tales were already being circulated by itinerant chanters (biwa hoshi) by the early Kamakura pe...

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Date(s) of creation: Early-17th century
Level: Collection
Format: Archive           

Reference number: MS 41853
Summary: These volumes are based on earlier fictionalized accounts of the Hogen Insurrection of 1156 and the Heiji insurrection of 1159, both of which are centred on power struggles within the palace in Kyoto. The tales were already being circulated by itinerant chanters (biwa hoshi) by the early Kamakura period (1185-1333) and remained popular through the centuries. The illustrations are in the style of so-called Nara ehon (Nara picture books), popular in the late 16th and 17th centuries, which are noted for their bold and brightly coloured illustrations - a simplified form of earlier Tosa court painting. Note that volume 5 of the Hogen Insurrection is incomplete.
Main author: Unknown
Extent: 12 volumes
Custodial history: Formerly in custody of Mrs. J.J. O'Brien Sexton
Acquisition: Purchased in 1941
Access status: Restrictions Apply
Access conditions: Requests to consult the original manuscript should be emailed to docenquiry@soas.ac.uk and marked for the attention of the Head of Special Collections and Archives.
User restrictions: For permission to publish, please contact Archives & Special Collections, SOAS Library in the first instance
Language: Japanese
Physical description: H23.5 x W17.05cm
Format: Archive           
Access Points - Places:
Place Code Place Name
1861060 Japan