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 - Wonderful scene of the Meiji Emperor and his Commander-in-Chief returning to Tokyo in triumph at the end of the Sino-Japanese War. The street is lined with cheering citizens as the procession of carriages and officers on horseback makes its way under a triumphal arch at Hibiya decorated with Japanese Flags. A fine modern building looms in the distance, surrounded by trees. Beautifully drawn and softly colored, with the look of a watercolor painting. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A handsome triptych of this historic event.

Artist - Gekko (1859 - 1920)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 27 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Slight toning and soiling, a few small spots, a few creases at edges. Please note: due to the size, this print may be shipped rolled. Please see photos for details. Good overall.