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 - Handsome depiction of an encampment of Japanese soldiers in the mountains near Port Arthur, prior to their decisive and crushing victory of the Chinese garrison stationed there. An officer stands on a hilltop at center, quietly observing the bright sun rising above the sea. Orange smoke and flames drift upwards into the sky from the campfires around him, with men huddled around them for warmth outside their tents. A striking composition with fine bokashi shading, also in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Artist - Gekko (1859 - 1920)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28" + margins as shown

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