Lot 352: Murata Tanryo (1872-1940) 20th century

20th century
Kakejiku, in ink, silver and colour on silk, depicting pine trees in the foreground and four Japanese samurai standing on the shore in the midst of a huge storm watching beyond the sea, from which the Mongolian fleet is coming to land to invade, signed Tanryo with two seals; with wood storage box. 121.3cm x 50.5cm (47¾in x 19 7/8in). (2).

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Born in Tokyo, Tanryo became a pupil of Furusawa Toshiki and Kawanabe Mitate (1838-1905), and studied classic Tosa School painting. He excelled at historical figure and kachoga subjects.

The Mongol attempted invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281 were major military invasions undertaken by Kublai Khan to conquer the Japanese islands after the capitulation of Goryeo (Korea). Despite their ultimate failure, the invasion attempts were important because they limited Mongol expansion in Asia, and ranked as nation-defining events in Japanese history. The Japanese were successful because the Mongols lost their troops and supplies because of the huge storms.