Nick Nitta

Pictured above is just a part in a 22 foot long, paper scroll, which illustrates the story of "two feuding clans in the twelfth century" (Pg. 270). This scene, in a single word can be described as chaotic. Our eyes are drawn to the massive, billowing flames which take up the space above the fighting soldiers. I believe this scroll was created in reflection of the times seen in the country. Japan was riddled with civil war and emperors were fighting for control. The scale of the soldiers and their weapons are disproportionate in comparison to the flame and the brown building structured. These details give the viewer things to analyze as their eyes dance around the frame. The building acts as major contrast in the scene, breaking up the chaos and acting as a transition into the next scene in the scroll. The scroll was to presented by being rolled out one section at a time and this scene would have been the climax of the story being told. For the time, and even today, this great piece would have provide ample entertainment and viewing pleasure.