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.

Russo-Japanese War Battle, 1904 - Dramatic scene from the Russo-Japanese War of a Japanese general on horseback attacking a Russian soldier as his mount gallops across a river. The Russian sprawls sideways over his saddle, his hat flying off, gripping a spear. The general raises his sword above his head with an angry frown, wearing a black jacket decorated with gold braid. The battle continues behind them with Japanese cavalry troops charging ahead. The background is rendered in muted gray tones, focusing all attention on the action in the foreground. Nicely drawn and detailed.

Artist - Meiji era artist (not read)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 27 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Very slight soiling and a few light creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.