Original Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print from 1902 by Watanabe Nobukazu, created during the Meiji period and directly tied to the Boxer Rebellion (1899–1901).
Titled “Our Army Bravely Fought and Crushed the Enemy,” this work is a clear example of wartime propaganda, produced to promote national pride and support for Japan’s military involvement in China as part of the international coalition forces. Prints like this were widely circulated to shape public perception, emphasizing strength, heroism, and the righteousness of the Japanese cause.
The composition depicts Japanese soldiers on horseback in a forceful advance, presenting an idealized image of discipline and dominance. The dramatic movement, bold lines, and vivid colors reinforce the intended message of military strength and superiority, characteristic of propaganda imagery from this period.
Rendered in oban format, the print showcases Nobukazu’s skill in combining traditional ukiyo-e techniques with modern subject matter. His work is particularly valued for documenting Japan’s transition into a modern military power and the visual culture surrounding it.
Unusually well-preserved, this example retains strong color, sharp detail, and clean paper with no significant flaws—an uncommon level of condition for Meiji-era war prints.
A historically significant and visually striking piece, ideal for collectors interested in Japanese military history, the Boxer Rebellion, or propaganda art.
