De heroïsche strijd bij Jiuliancheng 1894

This woodblock print, titled "The Heroic Battle at Jiuliancheng", was created by an anonymous artist to depict a scene from the First Sino-Japanese War. It captures the intensity and chaos of battle, reflecting the socio-political climate of late 19th-century East Asia. The print offers a glimpse into the identities and experiences of soldiers from both sides. Japanese troops are seen in dark uniforms, triumphing over the Qing Dynasty soldiers. The image reinforces a narrative of Japanese military strength and imperial ambition, but simultaneously reveals the human cost of war. The artist doesn't shy away from illustrating the raw physicality of combat. What stories do these fallen bodies tell?