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 - Terrific scene from the Sino-Japanese War of a battalion of Japanese soldiers waging a siege of a Chinese fortress during a blizzard. At center, a Japanese commander stands amidst the snow while his soldiers fire cannons on the stronghold. A fantastic, dramatic design of the Japanese Second Army on its path to victory in the Sino-Japanese War. Beautifully colored and shaded. A great choice for a student of history, also in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 27 5/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse at corners from previous mounting. Small hole, repaired. Slight toning, wrinkling at corners, a few creases, stain at edge. Please see photos for details.