Ogata Gekko, Fortress Assault, 1894, Woodblock Triptych on Paper

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This powerful Meiji-era woodblock triptych by Ogata Gekko (1859–1920) depicts the dramatic assault on a Chinese fortress during the First … Read more This powerful Meiji-era woodblock triptych by Ogata Gekko (1859–1920) depicts the dramatic assault on a Chinese fortress during the First Sino-Japanese War. Published in 1894, the composition shows Japanese infantry storming the ramparts in close combat: soldiers scaling walls, firing rifles through cannon smoke, and dragging defenders from their positions. Gekko captures the intensity of hand-to-hand fighting with remarkable clarity, emphasizing the chaos of battle through tumbling figures, scattered weapons, and swirling smoke. The right panel presents a distant clash outside the fortress walls, with the rising-sun banner advancing through heavy gunfire. The left and center sheets show a fierce struggle within the battlements, where defeated Qing troops lie among overturned chests, shattered spears, and abandoned swords. Gekko’s refined linework and subtle shading give the scene depth and movement, contrasting sharply with the vividly colored uniforms. His work from the Sino-Japanese War is highly prized for its blend of traditional ukiyo-e technique and modern military reportage. Complete Meiji war triptychs by Gekko continue to rise in desirability, especially examples with strong color and clean impressions. This triptych retains the clarity, drama, and narrative intensity that made these prints both patriotic imagery and popular visual journalism in 1894. An excellent acquisition for collectors of ukiyo-e, Japanese military art, or Meiji-period design. Condition Good condition with strong color and impression. Minor toning and small handling marks consistent with age. Slight creasing near margins but no major tears or losses. Three separate oban sheets. Framing Tips A dark wood or black lacquer frame enhances the deep black uniforms and the pale stone of the fortress walls. A single long mount beautifully preserves the triptych composition, while individual frames hung in sequence also offer an elegant display. Soft cream or warm white matting complements the Meiji-period paper tone. Museum glass recommended. Technique: Color woodblock print (oban triptych) Maker: Ogata Gekko, Japan, 1894 Keywords: Japanese woodblock print, ukiyo-e triptych, Meiji war print, sensoe, Ogata Gekko, Gekko triptych, First Sino-Japanese War, fortress assault print, Japanese military art, Meiji history, antique Japanese print, collectible ukiyo-e, 19th century woodblock print, Asian war art, Orientalist collection, Takegawa Risaburo, Japanese battle scene See less