Original Kiyochika (1847 - 1915) Japanese Woodblock Print
Illustration of the Landing and Advance to Weihaiwei, 1895Comments- Fantastic Sino-Japanese War triptych showing Imperial troops landing at Weihaiwei under a heavily falling snow. In the center a general sits erect atop a horse bundled in a quilted blanket, facing an officer on the ground in a hooded, fur-lined coat. A row of shadowy hooded shoulders stretches across the background, each standing at attention with his weapon upright. A wonderfully evocative scene conveying the bitter cold, the men’s feet disappearing into the snow and the sky muted in shades of wintry gray. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A very handsome design.
Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)
Image Size - 27 3/4” x 13 7/8”This is not normally something i post but i am so found of snow and battle scenes >„< - TSM
(Source: tsmskimonoyokubo)
In November 1855, the Great Ansei Earthquake struck the city of Edo (now Tokyo), claiming 7,000 lives and inflicting widespread damage. Within days, a new type of color woodblock print known asnamazu-e (lit. “catfish pictures”) became popular among the residents of the shaken city. These prints featured depictions of mythical giant catfish (namazu) who, according to popular legend, caused earthquakes by thrashing about in their underground lairs. In addition to providing humor and social commentary, many prints claimed to offer protection from future earthquakes.
The popularity of namazu-e exploded, and as many as 400 different types became available within weeks. However, the namazu-e phenomenon abruptly ended two months later when the Tokugawa government, which ordinarily maintained a strict system of censorship over the publishing industry, cracked down on production. Only a handful are known to survive today.
Namazu are normally kept under control by the god Kashima using a large rock known as kaname-ishi. The Great Ansei Earthquake of 1855 is said to have occurred when Kashima went out of town and left Ebisu (god of fishing and commerce) in charge. In this print, the giant subterranean catfish unleashes destruction on the city while Ebisu sleeps on the job. Kashima rushes home on horseback while the city burns, and Raijin the thunder god defecates drums. Large gold coins fall from the sky, symbolizing the redistribution of wealth during the rebuilding phase.
(Source: tsmskimonoyokubo)
The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.buddha
