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 - Impressive scene from the Satsuma Rebellion of leader Saigo Takamori and several generals gathered on a hilltop, surveying a battle between the rebels and the Imperial Army in the valley below. He watches the fighting from astride a brown horse, dressed in a black military uniform and plumed cap, a few wounded men lying on the ground around him. At far left, a man in a black uniform with gold epaulets looks back at him. The battlefield is packed with men in close combat, a sea of spears and guns poking up across the background. An intriguing design, nicely detailed.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few losses at edges and holes, repaired. Creasing, wrinkling, slight toning and soiling, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.