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 - Fantastic depiction of the attack on the Hundred-foot Cliff at Fort Hojo near Weihaiwei during the Sino-Japanese War. Japanese soldiers shelter behind high snow drifts, firing over the top of them, the men at left lying prone along the hills of snow. In the center, a man shovels snow out of the way with a shallow scoop. Red-orange flames and a cloud of smoke rise from the fort in the distance, lighting up the wintry gray sky. Troops can be seen in silhouette moving through the heavily falling snow. A fine, atmospheric subject with beautiful bokashi shading.

Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 14" x 27 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse at sides from previous mounting. Light rippling throughout, slight paper remnants at top of center panel. Please see photos for details.