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 depiction of the Japanese attacking the Chinese during the Sino-Japanese War. Chinese troops are trapped by the Japanese, who surround them on three sides. Japanese soldiers fire down on the men from upper left and upper right, while at lower left, another group fires up from the bottom of a slope, shots streaking across the sky. Their enemies tumble to the ground under the hail of bullets, with clouds of smoke drifting over the scene. A bolt of red orange lightening zigzags across the night sky above as raindrops slant over the troops at right. Nice color and detailed.

Artist - Meiji era artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Tiny tear at edge, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.