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 Fighting of a Scouting Party - Dramatic illustration of Japanese troops on a scouting party encountering hard fighting with the Chinese. In the center, an officer raises his sword high to rally his men as two soldiers rush forward through the courtyard entrance at right. Behind him, soldiers take cover in a dry moat around the structure, firing guns at the enemy as shots burst just above them. The Chinese are visible among the clouds of smoke and dust at left, with officers on horseback riding among the infantry. A dusting of snow falls over the winter scene. A dynamic composition, nicely detailed and shaded, with touches of burnishing in the officer's black uniform.

Artist - Ginko (active 1874 - 1897)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 5/8"

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