Nachtelijke aanval van onze gewapende troepen op het Chinese kamp te Pyongyang. 1894

This Triptych, "Night Attack on the Chinese Camp at Pyongyang," was made by Kobayashi Kiyochika, using woodblock printing. These prints, known as Ukiyo-e, were not traditional high art, but a popular form, produced in multiples and widely available. Looking closely, you can see the layering of colors and fine lines achieved through carving woodblocks. The process requires skilled artisans, connecting the artist's vision with the labor of craftspeople. The texture of the paper adds another layer of materiality, subtly influencing the final appearance. The subject matter, a scene from the First Sino-Japanese War, reflects Japan's growing military ambition, an era marked by industrialization and conflict. Woodblock prints like these played a role in shaping public opinion, documenting and, perhaps, glorifying military exploits. By considering the materials, making, and context of this artwork, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance, transcending traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.