Het grootse Japanse leger onderwerpt China: bezetting van Uiju 1894

This color woodcut triptych by Yôshû Nobuyasu depicts the Japanese army's occupation of Uiju, a city in Korea, during the First Sino-Japanese War. Created in Japan, this print showcases a moment of nationalistic fervor. It reflects the country's imperial ambitions during the late 19th century. The image creates meaning through visual codes such as the Japanese flag being prominently displayed, symbolizing military might and territorial expansion. Historical associations such as Japan’s desire to establish itself as a modern power influenced the artwork. The print is a product of Meiji-era Japan, a period of rapid modernization and Westernization that shaped artistic production. By examining period newspapers, government documents, and military records, we can better understand the social and institutional context of such works of art. The meaning of art is contingent on these contexts.