The Attack on, and Occupation of, Tianzhuangtai 1895

Kobayashi Kiyochika created this woodblock print titled "The Attack on, and Occupation of, Tianzhuangtai." It belongs to a series illustrating the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95. This image offers a fascinating glimpse into the politics of imagery in late 19th century Japan. Kiyochika, trained in Western-style painting, here employs his skills to depict a modern battle scene for mass consumption. The heavy snow, rendered through bold lines, evokes a sense of drama and obscures details, perhaps sanitizing the violence of war. Note how the artist focuses on the heroic advance of Japanese troops, downplaying the human cost of the conflict. The print reflects the rise of Japanese nationalism and the government's use of art as propaganda. To fully understand this work, we can turn to newspapers, military records, and political writings from the period. These resources help us see how art became a tool to shape public opinion and legitimize imperial ambitions.