Sergeant Kawasaki Crosses the River Daidōkō Alone (Kawasaki gunsō tanshin Daidōkō o wataru) Possibly 1894

Curator: Mizuno Toshikata's woodblock print, "Sergeant Kawasaki Crosses the River Daidōkō Alone," presents a lone figure battling a turbulent river. Its dimensions are roughly 37 by 24 centimeters. Editor: The monochrome palette evokes a feeling of stark isolation. It's a very powerful image of resilience, with the subject cutting through the roiling water. Curator: Indeed. Considering the context, this piece likely reflects the growing militarism within Meiji-era Japan and the valorization of individual sacrifice for the collective good. Editor: I think that framing is helpful, especially given the loaded symbolism of a soldier swimming, alone, with a sword clenched in his teeth. How might we situate this work within ongoing conversations about nationalism? Curator: Certainly, we can delve deeper into that. Thinking about the socio-political implications makes me appreciate the print even more. Editor: Me too!