Comments - Dramatic portrait of Navy Commander Hirose Takeo during the Russo-Japanese War. As a torpedo officer, Hirose volunteered to take charge of the Fukui maru, an older cargo ship, during the attempt to blockade the entrance to Port Arthur on March 26, 1904. Hit by Russian artillery, the ship exploded and Hirose received fatal wounds, going down with the ship. Because of his heroism and self-sacrifice, he was posthumously promoted to commander, and a Shinto shrine was dedicated to him. Here, he stands steadfastly on what remains of the deck amidst splintered wood and a shattered funnel. Explosions rock the ship and the sea all around him, sending up white waves at right. A bold portrait of this nation hero, beautifully detailed with embossing in the waves, fine bokashi shading, and burnishing in the shoes and the bill of his cap.

Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 14" x 18 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. Slight toning, a few spots and creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.