Lang leve het grote keizerlijke Japan! Afbeelding van de grote overwinning te Pyongyang. 1894 - 1899

Mizuno Toshikata created this woodblock print titled "Long Live the Great Empire of Japan! Image of the Great Victory at Pyongyang" in the late 19th century. The print celebrates a Japanese victory during the First Sino-Japanese War. The image is rich in visual codes. We see a heroic Japanese officer on horseback, leading his troops to victory under the light of a full moon. Cultural references to the glory of the Japanese Empire are apparent here. Understanding the context of the Meiji Restoration is crucial. During that time, Japan was rapidly modernizing and expanding its military might. This print should be seen in the light of government propaganda. The print reflects a shift in Japanese art towards nationalistic themes. To understand it better, we might examine newspapers and other publications from the period. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its social and institutional context. It serves as a reminder of the power of art to shape public opinion and promote specific ideologies.