A Shock for Chanchan, from the Series, from the Series ‘Long Live Japan! One Hundred Selections, One Hundred Laughs’ 1894

This ukiyo-e woodblock print was made by Kobayashi Kiyochika in Japan. Here we see a Chinese man in a state of shock. Dominating the scene are Japanese symbols—the rising sun flag and caricatures of Japanese soldiers. These icons represent the emerging power of Japan and its military prowess. The symbolic weight of these elements reflects Japan's aspirations and its projection of strength, particularly in contrast to the Qing dynasty. The rising sun, an ancient symbol of rebirth and renewal, takes on a modern, militaristic tone. Its usage mirrors similar symbols of power that have been employed across different epochs, like the Roman eagle or the fleur-de-lis of French royalty, each serving to inspire and assert authority. The emotional charge of this image lies in its depiction of cultural collision and shifts in power, a spectacle engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This cyclical progression of symbols reflects how they resurface and evolve, adapting and acquiring new meanings in different historical contexts.