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 - Unusual vertical format senso-e design depicting the sinking of Russia's flagship during the Russo-Japanese War. At top center, a mine has blown a large whole into the hull of the ship, which begins to sink with sailors falling overboard. Text in silver mica at the bottom of the print reads "The picture of the eighth attack of port Arthur./The Flag-Ship of Russia was destroyed by the torpedo of our/navy and Admiral Makkaloff drowned." The first time we've come across this subject.

Artist - Yasuda Hanpo (1889 - 1947)

Image Size - 18 5/8" x 14 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two attached panels. Small tear at edge, repaired. Creasing, a few small marks. Please see photos for details.