Early to mid-Edo period (17th–18th century)
Donated by the Homma family
This illustrated hand-scroll depicts the battle between the kingdoms of Wu and Yue during the Spring and Autumn era (which preceded the Warring States period (ca. 475–221 BC)) in China; Yue conquered and annexed Wu in 473 BC. Considered one of the most famous historical battles in Chinese history, the complex series of events gave rise to many thought-provoking stories, as well as many enduring aphorisms.
The scroll was originally a treasured possession of Tadamichi, the 14th generation head of the Sakai family, but was bequeathed to the Homma family in 1921 as a memento after he passed away.