The Splendid Deed of the Brave Soldier Shirakami

January 1895

Not on view

This propaganda print depicts a scene from the Sino-Japanese War, fought in 1894–95 over control of Korea. Despite having been hit and thrown backward, the Japanese bugler Shirakami Genjiro (1869–1894) clings to his instrument, an indication of his loyalty and bravery. Shirakami drowned in the war and was honored as a national hero. Printmakers like Migita Toshihide, disciples of traditional ukiyo-e artists, made pictures of historical and contemporary overseas battles for a domestic audience. Their striking imagery glorified the deaths of individuals, promoting the idea of self-sacrifice for the country.

Artwork Details

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
Object Number: JP3262
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

By Migita Toshihide

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

The Fall of Pyongyang, from a series on the Sino-Japanese War, Migita Toshihide Japanese, Set of six woodblock prints; ink and color on paper, Japan — The Fall of Pyongyang, from a series on the Sino-Japanese War
Migita Toshihide
1894

Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura), or The Great Wave, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
, Katsushika Hokusai Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura), or The Great Wave, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
Katsushika Hokusai
ca. 1830–32

Six Jewel Rivers from Various Provinces, Utagawa Hiroshige Japanese, Six woodblock prints; ink and color on paper, Japan — Six Jewel Rivers from Various Provinces
Utagawa Hiroshige
1857

Six Jewel Rivers
, Sakai Ōho Japanese, Six handscrolls; ink, color, and gold on silk, Japan — Six Jewel Rivers
Sakai Ōho
ca. 1839

Three Gods of Good Fortune Visit the Yoshiwara; or “Scenes of Pleasure at the Height of Spring”, Chōbunsai Eishi Japanese, Handscroll; ink and color on silk, Japan — Three Gods of Good Fortune Visit the Yoshiwara; or “Scenes of Pleasure at the Height of Spring”
Chōbunsai Eishi
early 19th century

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.