The Satsuma Rebellion - Known in Japanese as the Seinan Senso or Southwestern War, the Satsuma Rebellion took place in 1877 between disaffected former samurai and Meiji Imperial forces. With the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the Meiji restoration of the Emperor in 1867, the samurai class was abolished, leaving this once ruling class unemployed and impoverished. Led by former Imperial Army General Saigo Takamori, samurai from the Satsuma domain in Kagoshima rebelled against the government, leading to a series of battles that ultimately ended in the defeat of the rebels at the Battle of Shiroyama, with Saigo committing seppuku or ritual suicide. Woodblock prints of the conflict were popular, providing accounts of the latest battles to a public eager for news.

Comments - Fantastic scene from the Satsuma Rebellion of samurai battling soldiers during the siege of Kumamoto Castle, which was held by Japanese Imperial Army troops. The rebel leader Saigo Takamori sits astride a white horse at lower right, directing his men with a sword. Warriors rush across the bridge, meeting the army head-on, while samurai fire a blast from the cannon at far right. A large shell streaks across the night sky from behind the walled fortress, exploding in midair. A dramatic image with great detail in the setting and warriors.

Artist - Yoshitora (active circa 1840 - 1880)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal folds. A few small holes, repaired. A few creases. Please see photos for details.