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 illustration of a naval battle from the Sino-Japanese War. A Japanese warship steams across the center of the scene with guns blazing and cannon firing from ports in the side of the ship. At left, a Chinese vessel sinks beneath the choppy waves, just the prow visible, but other enemy ships close in on the lone Japanese boat. Wonderful detail in the ships with fine line work in the rigging, and lively detail in the setting with crashing waves and clouds of billowing smoke. A great design.

Artist - Meiji era artist (not read)

Image Size - 14" 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, a few small marks, a couple creases at edges. Please note: due to the size, this print may be shipped rolled. Please see photos for details. Good overall.