Comments - Fantastic triptych depicting a lucky omen seen as a sign that the Japanese would be victorious over the Chinese during the Sino-Japanese War. A sacred hawk attacks a dragon amidst swirling black and gray clouds and red flames, symbolizing the Japanese attacking the Chinese. The dragon falls down through the sky, screaming and writhing in pain. The scene appears on what looks like a sheet of paper with the corner turned back at right bearing a medal. At right, an Imperial Army general rides horseback, followed by an officer, each bearing his sword upright, while the edge of a Japanese flag flutters from behind the sheet of paper just to the left. This print was published in January 1895, shortly after the Japanese had taken Port Arthur and Kaipeng, just a few months before the end of the war in April 1895. An incredible, dramatic design, beautifully drawn and detailed with burnishing in the black uniforms and an allover embossed pattern in the background at right. We've never come across this subject before.

Artist - Kokunimasa (1874 - 1944)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 27 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Remnants or paper hinge mounts on reverse at corners. Small losses and thinning at corners, a few holes, repaired. Toning, soiling, and creasing, a few stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.