Battleships (Waga kuchikan sokuchō asagiri daifÅ«setsu o okashite ryojun ni tekikan o gekichin suru no zu) Meiji period,

Curator: The scene is intense! The clash of fire and storm, it's overwhelming. Editor: This is "Battleships," by Kōkyo, part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts a naval engagement, powerfully rendered. Curator: The burning ships, shrouded in smoke, feel like sacrifices on the altar of war. Notice how the waves mirror the chaos above. Editor: Indeed. The imagery of the snowstorm combined with naval conflict evokes a sense of foreboding and perhaps a comment on the futility of war. Curator: Absolutely, and the almost ghostly depiction of the ships suggests their vulnerability, despite their size and power. The artist is showing the power of nature. Editor: It's a potent reminder that even the mightiest powers are at the mercy of the elements and, of course, history itself. Curator: A chilling glimpse into a moment of destructive historical collision. Editor: Yes, a stark visualization of conflict and its consequences, preserved for reflection.