Our Naval Forces in the Yellow Sea Firing at And Sinking Chinese Warships (Waga kantai Kôkai ni oite Shikan o uchi shizumeru no zu)

The full Japanese title—Waga kantai Kôkai ni oite Shikan o uchi shizumeru no zu—translates as 'A picture of our fleet sinking warships in the Yellow Sea,' indicating a comprehensive panoramic treatment of the September 17, 1894 engagement. Kiyochika renders Japanese warships in disciplined formation on one side of the composition while Chinese vessels list or founder opposite, smoke pouring from damaged superstructures. The print deploys his characteristic atmospheric rendering: grey-green seas under a smoky sky, with light sources anchored by muzzle flash and burning hulls. The diagonal arrangement of vessels across the triptych format creates depth and dynamism. Such prints required rapid production—woodblocks were carved and printed within weeks of the actual battles—placing significant demands on the entire production chain of artist, carver, and printer.