Onoguchi Tokuji Blasting the Gates of Jinzhou Fortress 1895

Kobayashi Kiyochika's woodblock print "Onoguchi Tokuji Blasting the Gates of Jinzhou Fortress" (1895) depicts a dramatic scene of a Japanese soldier, Onoguchi Tokuji, charging into battle. The print, a testament to Kiyochika's mastery of the *ukiyo-e* style, uses bold lines and vibrant colors to capture the energy and intensity of the conflict. The exploding fortress, depicted through a dynamic composition of swirling smoke and debris, creates a powerful visual contrast with the soldier's resolute stance. This print, part of a series documenting the First Sino-Japanese War, reflects the nationalistic sentiment that was prevalent in Japan at the time.