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 scene of scouts on horseback watching a battle during the Sino-Japanese War. Bundled up in hooded coats trimmed with fur, the men look solemnly at the clouds of orange and yellow smoke and flames billowing above the treetops on the opposite shore. Troops can be seen in silhouette running along the far bank, the glowing smoke reflecting on the water of the river below. A fantastic image, beautifully rendered with soft shading. A very striking design.
Artist - Nobuchika (active circa 1894 - 1895)
Image Size - 13 5/8" x 27 5/8" + margin as shown
Condition - Nice color and detail. A couple small repairs, light rippling throughout, center panel remargined at top.
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