Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Meiji-Era Triptych of the Battle of Pyongyang in the Sino-Japanese War, 1894

$2,034.62
£1,500.90
€1,700
CA$2,800.55
A$3,025.51
CHF 1,609.60
MX$36,405.18
NOK 20,380.98
SEK 18,638.96
DKK 12,953.84

About the Item

Meiji-Era Triptych of the Battle of Pyongyang in the Sino-Japanese War, 1894 This striking 1894 woodblock triptych by Ogata Gekko (1859–1920) depicts the dramatic Battle of Pyongyang during the First Sino-Japanese War. Published by Takegawa Risaburō, the composition shows Imperial Japanese troops advancing with bayonets drawn, formations tightly coordinated and driven forward by the rising-sun regimental banner. In contrast, Qing soldiers retreat in disarray, their bright pink and blue uniforms illuminated against explosions and heavy gunsmoke. In the background, a Chinese fortress burns, intensifying the sense of immediacy and momentum. Gekko was among the most influential Meiji-period battle illustrators, celebrated for his ability to combine traditional ukiyo-e color blocks with modern military reportage. This triptych, referenced in Chaikin (no. 34, illustrated p.142), demonstrates his characteristic blend of narrative clarity and expressive movement. Each sheet is rich with detail—from the ornate officer uniforms and weaponry to the swirling smoke that fills the wooded landscape. War prints (sensō-e) from the 1894–95 conflict are increasingly sought after, especially complete triptychs in good color. This example has preserved the original drama and energy that made such works popular news images in Meiji Japan. A powerful piece for collectors of ukiyo-e, military history, or Meiji-era visual culture. Condition: Overall in good condition with strong color and impression. Mild toning and light handling signs consistent with age. Some small creases and minor wear along the margins. No major tears or losses. Three separate ōban sheets. Framing Tips: A dark wood or black lacquer frame highlights the rich reds and deep blacks of the Japanese uniforms. Consider a single long mount to display the triptych together, or individual frames hung closely as a set. Warm off-white or light cream matting enhances the period paper tone. Museum glass is recommended to preserve color vibrancy. Technique: Color woodblock print (ōban triptych) Maker: Ogata Gekkō, Japan, 1894
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)Width: 29.53 in (75 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1894
  • Condition:
    Overall in good condition with strong color and impression. Mild toning and light handling signs consistent with age. Some small creases and minor wear along the margins. No major tears or losses. Three separate ōban sheets.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14164-1A, 1B, 1C1stDibs: LU3054347809762

More From This Seller

View All
Fortress Assault Triptych – 1894 Japanese Meiji War Woodblock by Gekko
Located in Langweer, NL
Fortress Assault Triptych – 1894 Japanese Meiji War Woodblock by Gekko This powerful Meiji-era woodblock triptych by Ogata Gekko (1859–1920) depicts the dramatic assault on a Chines...
Category

Antique 1890s Japanese Prints

Materials

Paper

Tonkin War Battle Scene, Défense de Tuyen-Quan, Épinal Print, 1885
Located in Langweer, NL
Défense de Tuyen-Quan Tonkin 1885 French Colonial Battle Épinal Print This vivid French color lithograph depicts the heroic defense of Tuyen-Quan during the Tonkin Campaign, fought ...
Category

Antique 1880s French Prints

Materials

Paper

A Boxer Rebellion Scene, Siege of the European Legations, Épinal, 1900
Located in Langweer, NL
Siege of the European Legations Peking 1900 Boxer Rebellion Épinal Print Description This striking French color lithograph depicts the Siege of the European Legations in Peking (Bei...
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Chikanobu Triptych – Shogun Returns from the Hunt in Koganehara, c.1897
Located in Langweer, NL
Chikanobu Triptych – Shogun Returns from the Hunt in Koganehara, c.1897 This powerful and dynamic triptych by Toyohara Chikanobu (1838–1912) depicts the Shogun and his retinue returning from a falconry hunt across the vast grasslands of Koganehara. The print is part of the celebrated Meiji-era series Chiyoda no Omote (Outer Palace of Chiyoda), which portrayed ceremonial and military scenes from the life of the Tokugawa shogunate. This series blends historical reverence with a modern Meiji sensibility, celebrating Japan’s warrior heritage at a time of rapid transformation. Rendered in rich color and vivid linework, the triptych shows a noble procession in motion: the mounted Shogun at center turns back toward the viewer, while falconers and warriors in elaborate dress surround him. Attendants carry game and falconry equipment, and a dense forest line marks the horizon behind them. The sweeping composition emphasizes both movement and status, with the central figure visually dominant and placed against a pale, open sky. The triptych is signed by Chikanobu with the toshidama cartouche and published by Fukuda Hatsujirō around 1897. Chikanobu, one of the last great ukiyo-e masters, was celebrated for his ability to capture imperial ceremony, samurai culture, and the feminine elegance of the court — often in triptych format for dramatic impact. While the work shows some age-related signs, it retains strong visual appeal and is a compelling historical document of samurai-era tradition as imagined through Meiji eyes. Condition report: Good overall condition considering age. The three sheets are mounted together on old Japanese paper backing (verso), which is loosening slightly along the joins. Light overall toning and minor wrinkling across the panels. Colors remain well preserved with strong impression and no major losses or tears. Margins present, minor handling wear visible. A stable and attractive display piece. Framing tips: We recommend float mounting the full triptych in a custom horizontal frame, allowing the slight backing and joins to remain visible as part of its historical charm. Use a dark walnut or black lacquer frame with an off-white or light beige acid-free mat. Proper archival mounting can help preserve the integrity of the backing while enhancing its display quality. Technique: Woodblock print (ōban triptych) Maker: Toyohara Chikanobu, Japan, c.1897 Publisher: Fukuda Hatsujirō Keywords: Chikanobu triptych, samurai falconry print, Japanese woodblock print, Meiji print, Chiyoda no Omote, shogun artwork, Koganehara, antique Japanese triptych...
Category

Antique 1890s Japanese Prints

Materials

Paper

Prise de Sontay, an Épinal Print of a French Tonkin War Battle, 1883
Located in Langweer, NL
Prise de Sontay, an Épinal Print of a French Tonkin War Battle, 1883 This vivid and dramatic French popular print depicts the capture of Sontay (Sơn Tây) during the Tonkin Campaign,...
Category

Antique 1880s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Japanese Folklore Print: Six Mythical Scenes in Rich Color, 19th Century
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Japanese Folklore Print: Six Mythical Scenes in Rich Color, 19th Century This captivating 19th-century Japanese print offers a vibrant tapestry of six distinct scenes from J...
Category

Antique 1880s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

A Fierce Battle at Seoul by Kokunimasa (Ryukel ) woodblock tryptich 1904
By Utagawa Kokunimasa
Located in Paonia, CO
A Fierce Battle at Seoul by Kokunimasa ( also known as Ryukel ) is a woodblock tryptich from 1904 in good condition. Utagawa Kokunimasa (1874-1944) was a woodblock artist fro...
Category

Early 1900s Other Art Style Figurative Prints

Materials

Woodcut

Antique Woodblock Print by Mizuno Toshikata- Sino Japan Battle of Songhwan
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very strong woodblock print Long live the Great Japanese Empire! Our army’s victorious attack on Seonghwan, Mizuno Toshikata 1866-1908. or Hurrah and Hurrah Again for the Great...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Prints

Materials

Paper

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) -1866 Japanese Woodblock, Battle Of Kawanakajima
By Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Located in Corsham, GB
An extraordinary ukiyo-e triptych by one of the greatest ukiyo-e artists of the 19thC, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). The triptych shows a dramatic scene from the epic, bloody four...
Category

Mid-19th Century Figurative Prints

Materials

Woodcut

Antique Woodblock Print by Sino Japan War Naval Battle Haiyang Island, 1894
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Fantastic depiction of the naval Battle of Haiyang Island during the Sino-Japanese War. An explosion rocks a Chinese ship at right, severing the mast and sending enemy sailors tumbli...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Prints

Materials

Paper

Circa 1910 - The Russo-Japanese War Mounted Brigands Destroy Manchurian Railway
Located in PARIS, FR
The Russo-Japanese War was fought between the Empire of Japan and the Russian Empire during 1904 and 1905 over rival imperial ambitions in Manchuria and the ...
Category

Early 20th Century Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

Antique 19th c Woodblock Print by Sino Japan War Naval Battle Haiyang Island
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very strong woodblock print - Fantastic depiction of the naval Battle of Haiyang Island during the Sino-Japanese War. An explosion rocks a Chinese ship at right, severing the mast...
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Meiji Paintings and Screens

Materials

Bronze