The encampment of the officers of the first division near Toochingtse before 1895

This print, produced by the Ordnance Survey Office, depicts the encampment of officers during the fall of Kinchow. The image offers a glimpse into the First Sino-Japanese War. Consider the context: Japan, rapidly modernizing, sought to expand its influence in Korea and Manchuria, leading to conflict with Qing Dynasty China. This image, created by a military agency, presents a romanticized view of military life, emphasizing camaraderie amidst hardship. Note the officers gathered around the fire, seemingly planning strategy. However, the presence of horses and rough terrain hints at the logistical challenges of war. To fully understand this image, it is necessary to consult archival materials, military records, and historical accounts of the war. This allows us to go beyond the surface-level representation and grapple with the complex social, political, and economic forces that shaped this conflict and its visual representation.