This print illustrates a scene from the Sino-Japanese War, fought in 1894–95 over control of Korea. Despite being hit and his body thrown backward, a Japanese bugler, Shirakami Genjiro (1869–1894), clings to his instrument, an indication of his unwavering loyalty and bravery. Shirakami died by drowning in the war and was honored as a national hero. Artists like Migita Toshihide, who were disciples of traditional ukiyo-e artists and studied Western techniques, depicted historical battles and contemporary overseas battles for a domestic audience. The death of individuals was glorified through impactful imagery, promoting the idea of self-sacrifice for the country.
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Artwork Details
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右田年英画 「勇卒白神氏之美談」
Title:The Splendid Deed of the Brave Soldier Shirakami
Artist:Migita Toshihide (Japanese, 1863–1925)
Period:Meiji period (1868–1912)
Date:January 1895
Culture:Japan
Medium:Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper
Dimensions:Oban triptych
Classification:Prints
Credit Line:Gift of Lincoln Kirstein, 1959
Accession Number:JP3262
Signature: Toshihide hitsu
Marking: Seal: Gosai ga in
Lincoln Kirstein American, New York (until 1959; donated to MMA).
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," May 20–September 7, 1986.
Santa Fe. New Mexico Museum of Art. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," June 28–August 3, 1987.
Portland Art Museum. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," August 28–October 4, 1987.
Billings. Yellowstone Art Museum. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," October 31, 1987–January 3, 1988.
Santa Fe Community College Art Gallery. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," February 13–March 20, 1988.
Albany Institute of History & Art. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," April 16–July 17, 1988.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," August 6–November 6, 1988.
Charleston. Museum at Sunrise. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," November 26, 1988–January 1, 1989.
Pullman. Washington State University. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," January 21–February 26, 1989.
Champaign. Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," March 11–April 23, 1989.
Saint Louis Art Museum. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," March 13–June 18, 1989.
Syracuse. Everson Museum of Art. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," July 8–August 13, 1989.
Storrs. William Benton Museum of Art, University of Connecticut. "Impressions of a New Civilization: The Lincoln Kirstein Collection of Japanese Prints, 1860–1912," September 2–October 15, 1989.
Meech-Pekarik, Julia. The World of the Meiji Print: Impressions of a New Civilization. New York: Weatherhill, 1986, color pl. 33.
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