The Battle of Sannō Shrine at Tōeizan Temple 1874

This dramatic triptych, The Battle of Sannō Shrine at Tōeizan Temple, was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi using woodblock printmaking, a process known as *ukiyo-e*. With a design carved into wood, ink is applied, and then transferred to paper through rubbing. This allows for the creation of multiple impressions, making prints relatively accessible, so they were popular among a wide audience. The vivid colors, achieved through layering of inks, heighten the scene's intensity. The battle scene is rendered with an almost journalistic attention to detail. Yet, the printmaking process itself invites us to consider the immense labor involved in producing each impression, connecting the artwork not only to the depicted conflict but also to the social and economic contexts of its creation. Yoshitoshi masterfully combines traditional techniques with modern subject matter, prompting us to reflect on the relationship between art, labor, and the representation of historical events. The value of these prints lies not just in their aesthetic appeal but also in their testimony to the collective effort behind their creation.