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.

Comments - Dramatic scene from the Russo-Japanese War of Japanese forces attacking the Russians along the Yalu River. In the center, an officer on horseback gallops through a hail of bullets ahead of his men, gripping his sword upright. At right, a Russian soldier climbs over the rugged embankment of the river, his gun in hand. Behind the officer in the center, a row of troops fires shots at the enemy across the water. Misty clouds drift across a full moon at upper left, the dark night sky adding to the drama of the setting. Nicely detailed with burnishing on the trim of the black uniforms.

Artist - Nitei (active 1904)

Image Size - 14" x 27 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small losses at corners, thinning spot and small tear at edge, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases, paper clip rust marks at top left of each panel. Please see photos for details. Good overall.