Sino-Japanese War: Two Generals at the Battle of Fenghuangcheng (Nisshin gekisen ryosho Hoojo sen no zu) 1894

This woodblock print by Yosai Nobukazu depicts the Sino-Japanese War, specifically the Battle of Fenghuangcheng. It’s likely from 1894 or 1895, given that’s when the war took place. The print offers insight into the cultural and political climate of Meiji-era Japan. Here, we see the glorification of military prowess, a common theme in Japanese art of the period. Japan was actively engaged in nation-building and asserting itself on the world stage. Woodblock prints like this served as propaganda, bolstering public support for the war effort. The choice to depict the battle heroically, with emphasis on the bravery and skill of the Japanese generals, reveals the artist’s and the patron’s desire to shape public opinion. These prints were widely circulated, contributing to the construction of a national identity rooted in military strength and imperial ambition. Understanding the socio-political context is essential. We can consult historical archives, newspapers, and government documents to understand better how these images were used and what impact they had on Japanese society at the time.