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 - Fantastic scene from the Sino-Japanese War of sailors landing on the shore near Weihaiwei during a snowstorm. The men climb up the rocky shore, having already dispatched several enemies, who lie on the snowy ground. Snow falls heavily over the surging waves as small boats make their way towards shore from the warships anchored beyond. A dramatic natural setting, beautifully colored and shaded, with extensive spattered white gofun pigment to give the effect of heavily falling snow. A terrific design, also in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Artist - Toshikata (1866 - 1908)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Vertical folds. A few holes, pinholes in corners, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing. Please see photos for details.This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Vertical folds. A few holes, pinholes in corners, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing. Please see photos for details.This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Vertical folds. A few holes, pinholes in corners, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing. Please see photos for details.