Adachi Ginko, a coloured woodblock triptuych, Japan, late 19th/early 20th century.
Welcoming the Triumphant Japanese Army, measurement with frame 49 x 83 cm.
Not examined out of frame. Faded. Wavy.
Literature
Impressions of the Front: Woodcuts of the Sino-Japanese War, Okamoto, Shumpei, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1983, p. 21, pl.10
More information
A depiction of the Japanese army generals being welcomed in Seoul after their victory over the Chinese at Asan. Figures identified by labels include Brigade Commander Ôshima, Staff Officer Nagaoka, Minister Ôtori and the Korean King's Messenger Yi Yun-yong (Ri Inyo).After the victory at Asan (Korea), the reporter Kubota Beisen (1852-1906) wrote:
Our troops immediately began returning to Seoul by land and arrived on August 5, [1894]. The Japanese minister and other members of the legation and of the Japanese residence were there to welcome the troops. Yi Yun-young, a special envoy from the Korean king, was also present. At the southern city gate a triumphal arch surrounded by red and white screens and pine branches was built. At 7:25 AM Major General Oshima Yoshimasa rode out with great dignity to the gate to meet his assembled troops. The king’s envoy was the first to laud the victorious troops, expressing the king’s pleasure at their achievements. The general replied solemnly and briefly. Minister Otori’s speech came next, followed by shouts of ‘Banzai for His Imperial Majesty!’ which rose from the crowd. The cheers shook heaven and earth, clutching every heart and almost bringing me to tears.
See similar at: Philadelphia Museum of Art 1976-75-60; Art Gallery of Greater Victoria 1995.011.002 a-c; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 2000.165a-c; MAK Vienna: Austrian Museum of Applied Arts/Contemporary Art K.I. 14514-026a-c; Waseda University Library 05038930001; Shizuoka Prefectural Central Library K915-108-050-024; Princeton University Art Museum 2008-91a-c.