Fierce Street Battle at Niuzhang

by Gekko (1859 - 1920)

Current Status

Fierce Street Battle at Niuzhang by Gekko (1859 - 1920)

Original Gekko (1859 - 1920) Japanese Woodblock Print
Fierce Street Battle at Niuzhang

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 - Dramatic depiction of fighting in the streets at Niuzhang during the Sino-Japanese War. Meiji Imperial troops take refuge behind a clump of trees as the fire upon the enemy, clouds of smoke billowing across the scene. At left, a Japanese soldier bursts through the doorway of a building, waving his sword above his head as two Chinese men cower in the corner with hands clasped in prayer. A striking composition with beautiful soft shading and excellent detail in the carefully rendered soldiers and hand-applied white pigment providing a dusting a snow. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A fantastic design and a great choice for a student of military history.

Artist - Gekko (1859 - 1920)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels. Vertical folds. Small loss and slight thinning at edge, a couple small holes, repaired. Creasing, slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details.

Fierce Street Battle at Niuzhang by Gekko (1859 - 1920)
Fierce Street Battle at Niuzhang by Gekko (1859 - 1920)

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