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 - Striking design from the Sino-Japanese War of Second Army troops landing on the Jinzhou (Liaodong) Peninsula in northeastern China. Lieutenant-General Yamaji wades ashore in the center, dressed in a heavy fur-lined coat and tall black leather boots, carrying a sword. Behind him other officers disembark from a small boat carrying personal in from the larger ship offshore at far left. A Japanese flag hangs from the stern of the craft, and additional boats and sailors are silhouetted along the horizon. An atmospheric image, beautifully shaded, the three central figures contrasting well with the soft gradations of the water and sky. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A handsome composition.
Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)
Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 1/2" + top margin as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight toning and soiling, a few small spots and light creases, slight rubbing at edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.
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