December 1906 Possibly 1906 - 1912

Asai Chû created this print in December 1906, using woodblock techniques. It shows a horse carrying what looks like a flame, over a frieze of dogs, and it invites us to consider the changing place of traditional art forms in early 20th century Japan. The fluid lines and simplified forms might reference traditional Japanese ink painting, but the print medium places the work in a different sphere of cultural production. Woodblock prints had a long history as a popular art form in Japan, often used for commercial purposes. In the Meiji era, there was a drive to modernize and Westernize Japan’s institutions and art. Artists like Asai Chû were negotiating this tension, blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Art historians look at exhibition records and artists' writings to reveal these dynamics, helping us to understand how artists responded to cultural shifts. This print is a window into the complex interplay between tradition, modernity, and the changing role of the artist in Japanese society.