Here, we see Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147-1199), the mastermind of Japan's first ruling shogunate, deftly charging an opponent on horseback. Yoritomo's steady movements, in contrast with the flailing panic of the enemy, reveal his skill as a horseman and epitomize his military ingenuity. Although he is better known for Machiavellian political tactics than for physical prowess on the battlefield, Yoritomo was a talented general and orchestrated many brilliant military campaigns. Yoshitoshi's depiction of the general in mounted combat represents one of Yoritomo's greatest contributions to medieval Japanese warfare; his successful employment of a skilled cavalry gave Minamoto troops the upper hand in key battles against horseless opponents. Yoritomo is often credited as the originator of yabusame (mounted archery).
