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Rapid Progress by Kobayashi Kiyochika — Japanese Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper, February 1895

Rapid Progress

by Kobayashi Kiyochika

Meiji/Taishō Prints
FiguresWarriors
Date:
February 1895
Medium:
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Format:
Oban
Dimensions:
35.1 × 23.5 cm

Description

"Rapid Progress" is a February 1895 nishiki-e likely from Kiyochika's Nippon Banzai! satirical series, the title reflecting the velocity of Japan's military advance in the war's final months: the fall of Weihaiwei, the Taiwan landings, and the approach of peace negotiations all unfolding in rapid succession. The satirical framing of Japan's military efficiency as "rapid progress" drew on the Meiji period's broader discourse of bunmei kaika (civilisation and enlightenment) — the nation's self-conscious modernisation projected onto the battlefield.

More Prints by Kobayashi Kiyochika

The Bureau of Industry Building at Kammeidome by Kobayashi Kiyochika

The Bureau of Industry Building at Kammeidome

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View of Ariakero, Imado, from by Kobayashi Kiyochika

View of Ariakero, Imado, from

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Taro Inari Shrine at the Asakusa Ricefields — 浅草田甫太郎稲荷 by Kobayashi Kiyochika

Taro Inari Shrine at the Asakusa Ricefields — 浅草田甫太郎稲荷

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The great victory of our Naval forces near Phung-to in Korea by Kobayashi Kiyochika

The great victory of our Naval forces near Phung-to in Korea

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More Figures Prints

Shamyris, Shôwa period, dated 1965? by Hideo Hagiwara

Shamyris, Shôwa period, dated 1965?

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Celebrating the Good Harvest: Felicitations for a Thousand Ages (Nôhônen, Chiyo no kotobuki) by Kawanabe Kyosai

Celebrating the Good Harvest: Felicitations for a Thousand Ages (Nôhônen, Chiyo no kotobuki)

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Midas, Shôwa period, dated 1965? by Hideo Hagiwara

Midas, Shôwa period, dated 1965?

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Gundari Myôô, Shôwa period, dated 1962 by Kihei Sasajima

Gundari Myôô, Shôwa period, dated 1962

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Featured in Collections

Curated cross-cuts that include this print.

Japanese Ghost and Yōkai Prints

Frequently Asked Questions

Rapid Progress was created by Kobayashi Kiyochika (小林清親) in February 1895.

Rapid Progress depicts figures and warriors.

Rapid Progress measures 35.1 × 23.5 cm (Oban format).