Artwork

朝鮮大戦争之図|Illustration of the Great Korean War (Chōsen dai sensō no zu)

朝鮮大戦争之図|Illustration of the Great Korean War (Chōsen dai sensō no zu), by Kobayashi Kiyochika, ink, 1882
朝鮮大戦争之図|Illustration of the Great Korean War (Chōsen dai sensō no zu), by Kobayashi Kiyochika, ink, 1882

朝鮮大戦争之図|Illustration of the Great Korean War (Chōsen dai sensō no zu) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Kobayashi Kiyochika. It dates from 1882 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, 'Illustration of the Great Korean War,' was created by Kobayashi Kiyochika in 1882. It is a right-hand sheet of a triptych, printed with ink and color on paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts three men in an interior space with patterned flooring and carved wood paneling. A standing figure in Western attire appears authoritative, while two kneeling figures attend to a walking stick and a camera, suggesting a scene of preparation or documentation.

Technique & Style

The use of bright colors and bold outlines gives the print a lively feel, characteristic of Kiyochika's work in the late 19th century.

History & Provenance

The print is now held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, indicating its significance in the history of Japanese art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Kobayashi Kiyochika

Artist

Kobayashi Kiyochika

Kiyochika grew up in Tokyo when the city was turning from samurai streets into a modern capital.