Senso-e - Senso-e are prints depicting wars, most often the Sino-Japanese War of 1894 - 1895 and the Russo-Japanese War in 1904 - 1905. Primarily triptychs, these images filled the journalistic need for illustrations of current activities on the battle front, but also acted as propaganda, encouraging support for the wars and fostering patriotism. These prints emphasized the bravery and success of the army and navy, using dramatic designs and bold compositions, with customers eagerly purchasing the latest prints. Some famous Meiji era artists did senso-e, including Kiyochika, Chikanobu, and Gekko. By the time the Russo-Japanese War came around, woodblock prints had fallen out of favor due to competition with photography and lithography, so fewer designs exist from this time period as compared to the Sino-Japanese War.

The Army Advancing on the Ice to Attack Weihaiwei, 1895 - Fantastic scene from the Sino-Japanese War of Japanese troops crossing the ice to attack Weihaiwei as dawn breaks. An officer watches with one foot propped on the edge of a boat locked in the ice, his horse prancing beside him bundled in a plaid coat against the cold. The troops are reflected on the ice as they cross, and yellow light fills the sky as the red sun begins to rise. A rarely seen, striking, dramatic panoramic design.

Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 14" x 28" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few repairs and stains, creasing. Please see photos for details.