Ancient Artifacts & Antiquities
Lot 317:
Original Triptych 3 Panel Tokyo Military Review Woodblock Prints
The Meiji Era (1868-1912) Triptych (3 Panel Woodblock Display) a Military Review Scene. "Chen Rui reviewing the troops in Tokyo". Called Nishiki-e or ukiyo-e this is a depiction of a military parade or inspection. Via AI translator the Japanese print in the yellow square reads Imperial Enthronement, Meiji 6th Month. The red block translates to Brave and brave – This bridge area is essential for the spring festival on March 6th – Motana Kodama. Another of this particular woodblock set was not present on the web when we researched it so it is likely a very rare set. Japanese woodblock artists were often commissioned to produce military scenes, particularly during the Meiji period (1868–1912), as part of both commercial and patriotic propaganda efforts. Publishers and sometimes the government encouraged artists to depict victorious battles, heroic officers, and modernized military forces, especially during the Sino-Japanese War (1894–95) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904–05). These prints served as visual documentation and patriotic promotion, functioning similarly to marketing or propaganda posters.Artists would frequently work from newspaper reports, photographs, or secondhand descriptions, rather than witnessing events firsthand, leading to inaccuracies or stylized depictions (e.g., overly colorful uniforms or misrepresented flags). Scenes were sometimes issued even before predicted events occurred, emphasizing timeliness over factual precision. Regarding signatures, it was common for woodblock artists not to sign their war prints. From the Chuck and Eileen Hoffman Collection who spent time in Japan as overseas school teachers in the second half of the 20th century. The 3 woodblock prints measure 13 7/8" by 9 3/8" approximately.
Condition: Authentic
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