Annals of the Meiji Period; The Rebel Insurrection in the Kagoshima Disturbance 1877

This woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi depicts the Satsuma Rebellion, a revolt against the Meiji government of Japan. The flags display the Shimazu clan mon, a circle enclosing a cross, which evokes both an emblem of unity and division. This symbol finds echoes across cultures and ages, from ancient sun wheels to medieval heraldry, each bearing its own charge of power and identity. Here, it represents the strength and history of the Satsuma clan, yet it also marks them as rebels against the imperial order. The tension is palpable. Consider the psychological weight of such emblems. They tap into a collective memory, stirring up feelings of loyalty, defiance, and belonging. The artist captures this emotional maelstrom, inviting us to contemplate the cyclical nature of history, where symbols are continuously reborn, carrying echoes of past glories and present struggles. A powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.