右田年英画　「勇卒白神氏之美談」|The Splendid Deed of the Brave Soldier Shirakami

Migita Toshihide

January 1895 · Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

This propaganda print depicts a scene from the Sino-Japanese War, fought in 1894–95 over control of Korea. Despite having been hit and thrown backward, the Japanese bugler Shirakami Genjiro (1869–1894) clings to his instrument, an indication of his loyalty and bravery. Shirakami drowned in the war and was honored as a national hero. Printmakers like Migita Toshihide, disciples of traditional ukiyo-e artists, made pictures of historical and contemporary overseas battles for a domestic audience. Their striking imagery glorified the deaths of individuals, promoting the idea of self-sacrifice for the country.

Artist

Migita Toshihide

Date

January 1895

Medium

Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Lincoln Kirstein, 1959