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A cat representing a Japanese battleship is chasing two rats representing Chinese battleships into a bag. Woodcut, 1895, by Kiyochika Kobayashi
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A cat representing a Japanese battleship is chasing two rats representing Chinese battleships into a bag. Woodcut, 1895, by Kiyochika Kobayashi
SINO-JAPANESE WAR, 1895.
A cat representing a Japanese battleship is chasing two rats representing Chinese battleships into a bag. Woodcut, 1895, by Kiyochika Kobayashi
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Media ID 7959731
1895 Allegory China Chinese Flag Japan Japanese Kiyochika Kobayashi Naval Personification Political Satire War Ship Westernization Wood Cut
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful woodcut print by Kiyochika Kobayashi, created in 1895 during the Sino-Japanese War, captures the essence of political tension and naval conflict between China and Japan. The image depicts a cat symbolizing a Japanese battleship relentlessly pursuing two rats representing Chinese battleships into a bag. Through clever allegory and personification, Kobayashi masterfully conveys the dynamics of this historical event. The artist's satire is evident as he portrays the Chinese battleships as rats, perhaps suggesting their perceived weakness or vulnerability compared to their Japanese counterparts. The cat's aggressive pursuit signifies Japan's determination to assert its dominance over China during this period of Westernization. Kobayashi skillfully incorporates symbolism throughout the woodcut. The presence of flags on both sides suggests national pride and identity tied to these warships. Additionally, the inclusion of text adds depth to the artwork, potentially providing further commentary on political motivations behind this conflict. Overall, this print serves as a visual representation of an important moment in history when tensions ran high between China and Japan. It highlights not only military power but also cultural shifts occurring at that time. This piece showcases Kobayashi's talent for combining artistic technique with political messaging, making it an invaluable addition to any collection exploring East Asian history or artistry from that era.
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