Surrender of Admiral Ding Ruchang of the Northern (Chinese) Fleet at the Fall of Weihaiwei (Ikaiei kanraku hokuyōkantai teitoku teijoshō kofukuzu) Possibly 1895

Curator: Migita Toshihide's woodblock print depicts the Surrender of Admiral Ding Ruchang during the Sino-Japanese War. Editor: The muted palette evokes a somber, almost surreal stillness, fitting for the gravity of the moment. The composition is striking, with the figures placed against the stark white backdrop of the ship. Curator: Indeed, the print served as potent propaganda, celebrating Japan’s military prowess during a period of intense nationalism. It visually narrates Japan's rise on the world stage. Editor: The contrast in the depiction of the uniforms is particularly telling. The crisp, meticulously detailed Japanese officer, compared to the more loosely rendered, almost caricatured, Chinese admiral. Curator: The artist uses visual cues to underscore the perceived power imbalance. It is a product of its time, reflecting prevailing attitudes about cultural superiority. Editor: The formal elements work together to create a compelling, if biased, visual narrative. It’s a fascinating convergence of aesthetics and ideology.