Braving the Snow, Our Troops Capture the Stronghold at Weihaiwei Possibly 1895

Curator: This is Kobayashi Kiyochika’s woodblock print, "Braving the Snow, Our Troops Capture the Stronghold at Weihaiwei." It's a vertical oban, about 14 by 9 inches, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's stark. The monochrome palette, punctuated by the red of what I presume is blood, creates a chilling atmosphere. There's a real sense of struggle depicted. Curator: Indeed. Kiyochika was a master of light and shadow in his prints, often using them to convey the mood of a scene. The falling snow, achieved through meticulous carving and printing, enhances the bleakness. Editor: Knowing that Kiyochika witnessed the transition of Japan into a modern, militaristic nation, I find this work speaks volumes about the complexities of national identity and the human cost of imperial ambitions. The vulnerability of the fallen soldier contrasts starkly with the regimented advance. Curator: Absolutely. The printmaking process itself—the labor involved in carving each block, the layering of colors—reflects the effort and resources invested in these military campaigns. It really underscores the industrial aspect of warfare. Editor: It is difficult to look at, but important to consider the intersectional narratives here, the complex layers of identity, nationhood, and the impact of conflict. Curator: Precisely, a potent reminder of the intertwined nature of production, conflict, and national identity. Editor: A truly sobering piece that leaves one contemplating the narratives we construct around war and sacrifice.