The Farewell at Mount Yoshino between Yoshitsune and Shizuka

Minamoto no Yoshitsune 源義経 (1159–1189) was a nobleman and famous general during the turbulent years of the Genpei War (1180–1185). Shizuka Gozen 静御前 (1165–1211) was a renowned shirabyōshi 白拍子, the name for women who performed elegant traditional dances in men’s attire at the imperial court. The tragic romance between Yoshitsune and Shizuka became the source for many popular tales and dramas.

The subject of Yoshitoshi’s triptych is the lovers’ sorrowful farewell as it appears in various dramas. Yoshitsune is forced to flee to the north after opposing his brother, the new shogun. About to embark on this dangerous journey, he leaves Shizuka, pregnant with their child, under the protection of his loyal aide Satō Tadanobu. He also gives Shizuka a hand drum of the type used by shirabyōshi dancers. In this beautiful composition, the subtle colors and complex patterns of the three figures’ period costumes stand out vividly against the snowy setting.