Our Field Artillery Attacks the Enemy Camp at Jiuliancheng, 1894

by Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Current Status

Our Field Artillery Attacks the Enemy Camp at Jiuliancheng, 1894 by Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Original Kiyochika (1847 - 1915) Japanese Woodblock Print
Our Field Artillery Attacks the Enemy Camp at Jiuliancheng, 1894

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 - Incredible, atmospheric scene from the Sino-Japanese War of Meiji field artillery attacking an enemy camp at Jiuliancheng under a driving rain at night. An officer sits astride his horse in the center, silhouetted against the gray sky and slashing raindrops. Soldiers huddle around a cannon at left as a cloud of smoke issues from the muzzle, hooded coats their only protection against the relentless storm. An explosion lights up the night at right, surrounded by an orange halo fading out into the bleak sky. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A fantastic Kiyochika design and a real masterwork of Sino-Japanese War imagery. A great choice for a collector.

Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 27 7/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Slight separation at ends of vertical centerfold. A few small creases. Title cartouche is pasted across top center. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Our Field Artillery Attacks the Enemy Camp at Jiuliancheng, 1894 by Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)
Our Field Artillery Attacks the Enemy Camp at Jiuliancheng, 1894 by Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)