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.

Hard Fight at Fenghuangcheng, 1894 - Dramatic scene of heavy fighting at Fenghuangcheng during the Sino-Japanese War. At left, a Japanese soldier on horseback gallops into the battle, raising his sword above his head as an explosion startles the enemy, sending two Chinese riders flying backwards on their mounts. At right, infantrymen rush in, one gripping his gun over his head as a club to attack the fallen Chinese warriors. The fierce battle continues in the distance at left beyond clouds of smoke and dust, with the tower and walls of a castle visible in the distance. Interestingly, this triptych depicts a battle that never took place. The Japanese had planned to attack the city on the emperor's birthday as a gift to him, but scouts reported that the Chinese had already abandoned and burned the town. A lively image with expressive figures and fine detail, including bokashi shading in the background and burnishing on the black boots.

Artist - Gekko (1859 - 1920)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 27 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight toning and soiling, a few stains and creases. Please see photos for details.