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.

The Great Victory of the Japanese Army in the Battle of Nanshan, 1904 - Dramatic scene of the Japanese Army attacking a Russian fortress during the Battle of Nanshan in the Russo-Japanese War. Troops clamber over the top of a wall at left as an officer grips the Japanese flag to rally his men. At left, soldiers overrun a gun position, knocking down the crew around a great canon. At right, a Russian solder holds a wounded compatriot while officers discuss what to do. The title appears in kanji along with English at upper right. Only the second time we've offered this design.

Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight separation at end of vertical fold at side, repaired. Slight toning. Please see photos for details.