Admiral Ding Juchang of the Chinese Beiyang Fleet, Totally Destroyed at Weihaiwei, Commits Suicide at His Official Residence, 1895

by Toshikata (1866 - 1908)

Current Status

Admiral Ding Juchang of the Chinese Beiyang Fleet, Totally Destroyed at Weihaiwei, Commits Suicide at His Official Residence, 1895 by Toshikata (1866 - 1908)

Original Toshikata (1866 - 1908) Japanese Woodblock Print
Admiral Ding Juchang of the Chinese Beiyang Fleet, Totally Destroyed at Weihaiwei, Commits Suicide at His Official Residence, 1895

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 - Intriguing triptych showing Admiral Ding Juchang of the Chinese Beiyang Fleet in an elegant interior, preparing to commit suicide after the disastrous defeat of the Chinese at Weihaiwei. He looks over his shoulder out the window as the Japanese fleet arrives. Sitting on a tiger skin and holding a small glass of poison, the distinguished officer scowls as he sees the ships steaming across the water, clouds of black smoke rising into the sky. The home is beautifully furnished with writing utensils set on a cloth covered table and stands of books on a shelf nearby. Delicately scrolled curtains hang at the doors to the balcony, and a floral arranged sits atop a narrow table. Beautifully detailed with a dusting of mica, touches of embossing, and burnishing in the black tablecloth. An interesting illustration from the Sino-Japanese War.

Artist - Toshikata (1866 - 1908)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 3/4" + margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A couple light creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Admiral Ding Juchang of the Chinese Beiyang Fleet, Totally Destroyed at Weihaiwei, Commits Suicide at His Official Residence, 1895 by Toshikata (1866 - 1908)
Admiral Ding Juchang of the Chinese Beiyang Fleet, Totally Destroyed at Weihaiwei, Commits Suicide at His Official Residence, 1895 by Toshikata (1866 - 1908)

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