The story of the archer Nasu no Yoichi, from The Tale of the Heike, one of a pair

This screen illustrates a famous story from The Tale of the Heike compiled in the thirteenth century about the military prowess of Nasu no Yoichi, the skilled archer of the Genji warrior clan, which took place during the battle of Yashima.

In the story, the Genji were turning back the Heike clan, who fled in boats. Night was falling and both sides withdrew. Then a small Heike boat carrying an elegantly dressed woman appeared. She produced a pole surmounted by a red fan with a golden sun design, and wedged it near the prow. She then faced the land taunting the Genji to shoot at the fan. The Genji general Yoshitsune ordered Yoichi to take a shot.

Yoichi mounted a black horse and rode into the sea, but he was still 250 feet from the fan. Yoichi drew his bow and sent the arrow whizzing straight toward the fan. The arrow struck the fan and cut it loose. On the land the Genji beat their quivers and shouted in exultation. Offshore, even the Heike pounded the sides of their ships and applauded this extraordinary feat.