Battleships (Waga kuchikan sokuchō asagiri daifÅ«setsu o okashite ryojun ni tekikan o gekichin suru no zu) Meiji period,

Editor: This is "Battleships" by Kōkyo, a woodblock print at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts a naval battle in swirling snow. What strikes me is the sheer drama—the force of the ships against the elements. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Considering the history, this piece likely served a very specific public function. Woodblock prints like these were often commissioned to celebrate military victories, shaping public perception and bolstering national pride. Do you think it glorifies the event? Editor: It's hard to tell. The chaotic scene feels less triumphant and more…overwhelming? Curator: Exactly. And that's where the artist's skill comes in. By depicting the battle through the lens of nature's fury, the print also acknowledges the inherent violence. Perhaps offering a more nuanced commentary than a simple celebration. Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered the political implications of the style itself. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's crucial to remember art's complex role in shaping collective memory and social narratives.