Artist: Utagawa Sadahide (歌川貞秀 / 五雲亭貞秀, Japanese, 1807 – c. 1878/9)
Signed: Gountei Sadahide ga (五雲亭貞秀画)
Publisher: Yamatoya Kyūbei (山本久兵衛), active c. 1840s. Marks 608 (p. 361)
Date: 1842
Media: Horizontal ōban triptych (woodblock print, nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 35 × 73 cm (14 × 28.5 in). All three sheets are physically joined (glued together)
Title: Return of Victorious Empress Jingū to Japan after Her Conquest of Korea
Japanese title (from cartouche): 神功皇后新羅百済高麗右三韓随就日本へ着陣之圖
(Jingū Kōgō Shilla, Kudara, Koma – U san-kan zuijū Nihon e chakujin no zu)
“Military camp of Empress Jingū on her return to Japan after the conquest of the Three Kingdoms of Korea: Silla, Baekje, and Goguryeo.”
Description:
This elaborate triptych illustrates the legendary return of Empress Jingū following her mythical conquest of the Korean peninsula. A fleet of armor-clad warriors stands on a beach under a red sun, with a grand phoenix-prowed ship anchored at left and banners rising at right. In the center foreground, the Empress’s loyal minister Takeshiuchi no Sukune (武内宿禰) stands carrying a child—Emperor Ōjin, the future 15th emperor of Japan.
Each warrior is identified with a red name cartouche. The inscriptions read:
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氏友の金村 (Ujiyū no Kanemura)
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武内宿禰 (Takeshiuchi no Sukune)
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大矢田宿禰 (Ōyada no Sukune)
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大友佐手彦 (Ōtomo no Sadehiko)
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伊貴奈 (Ikina)
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真備富津主 (Maki no Tomitsu no Nushi)
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神功后皇 (Jingū Kōgō, Empress Jingū)
The dynamic composition contrasts richly patterned armor with natural elements—trees, waves, and clouds—framing the historical tableau. The bright palette reflects typical Edo-period color schemes.
