Triptych: Sergeant Kawasaki Crosses the River Taedongjiang Alone (Kawasaki gunsō tanshin Daidōkō o wataru) Possibly 1894

Editor: This woodblock print, "Sergeant Kawasaki Crosses the River Taedongjiang Alone" by Mizuno Toshikata, portrays a lone figure battling turbulent waves. It feels incredibly dramatic. What historical narratives are embedded in this image? Curator: This work likely depicts a scene from the First Sino-Japanese War, reflecting the valorization of Japanese soldiers. How do you think the depiction of Sergeant Kawasaki contributes to the politics of imagery at the time? Editor: Perhaps it was used to inspire patriotism. He is literally swimming against the current! I hadn't considered its potential as propaganda. Curator: Exactly. These prints served as powerful tools for shaping public perception of the war effort. It makes you wonder about the role of art in shaping national identity, doesn’t it? Editor: Definitely. It's fascinating to see how art and politics intertwine. Curator: Indeed, and examining art through a historical lens allows us to decode these complex relationships.