Attacking Pyongyang: The Japanese Army Forged through the Enemy Stronghold (Heijō Kōgeki waga gun tekiruio nuku) Possibly 1894

Curator: The energy in this print is palpable—it's Mizuno Toshikata's "Attacking Pyongyang: The Japanese Army Forged through the Enemy Stronghold." Editor: Absolutely. The composition alone evokes such dynamism, with the diagonal thrust of the soldiers. Curator: Toshikata masterfully uses the layering of figures and that large Imperial flag to lead the eye. The color palette is restrained but effective. Editor: Yes, and one can't ignore the historical context—likely celebrating a victory during the First Sino-Japanese War, glossing over the brutal realities of imperialism. Curator: A critical point. However, I'm drawn to the print's undeniable aesthetic power: the subtle gradations in the sky, the meticulous detail of the uniforms. Editor: But that aesthetic can’t be separated from its ideological function. These visual strategies were carefully chosen to glorify military conquest and the Japanese nation state. Curator: An important reminder to consider the artwork’s multiple layers, both formal and historical. Editor: Indeed. It's a powerful image that demands a critical, questioning gaze.