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 - Interesting depiction of Japanese Imperial Army officers meeting with diplomats in the Korean Royal Palace on a moonlit night. At left, the men sit around a table covered with refreshments, watching as two Chinese beauties approach across the stone terrace. They wear elegant robes, and one wears a crown or headdress with a phoenix atop it. Behind them, two men walk across a narrow bridge over the water with a full moon glowing overhead. Lovely color and detail in the exotic setting, with burnishing in the black uniforms.

Artist - Nobukazu (1874 - 1944)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 27 3/4" + margins as shown

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