A Big Headache for Li Hongzhang, from the Series ‘Long Live Japan! One Hundred Selections, One Hundred Laughs’
A hand-painted replica of Kobayashi Kiyochika’s masterpiece A Big Headache for Li Hongzhang, from the Series ‘Long Live Japan! One Hundred Selections, One Hundred Laughs’, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
"A Big Headache for Li Hongzhang, from the Series ‘Long Live Japan! One Hundred Selections, One Hundred Laughs’" is a woodblock print created by the Japanese artist Kobayashi Kiyochika. This artwork is part of a satirical series titled "Long Live Japan! One Hundred Selections, One Hundred Laughs" (日本萬歳 百撰百笑, Nihon Banzai Hyakusen Hyakushō), which was produced during the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895). The series reflects the political and military tensions of the time, using humor and caricature to comment on the conflict between Japan and Qing China.
Kobayashi Kiyochika (1847–1915) was a prominent Japanese artist known for his ukiyo-e prints and his innovative approach to the traditional woodblock printing technique. He often depicted scenes of modernization in Japan, as well as political and military events. During the First Sino-Japanese War, Kiyochika produced a number of prints that served as propaganda, celebrating Japanese victories and mocking the Qing dynasty and its officials.
This particular print portrays Li Hongzhang (1823–1901), a high-ranking Qing official and diplomat, who played a significant role in the Qing dynasty's foreign relations and military affairs. Li was a central figure during the First Sino-Japanese War, as he was responsible for negotiating with Japan on behalf of the Qing government. In the print, Li is depicted in a humorous and exaggerated manner, consistent with the satirical tone of the series. The title, "A Big Headache for Li Hongzhang," suggests the challenges and difficulties he faced during the war, particularly in dealing with Japan's military successes and the eventual defeat of the Qing forces.
The First Sino-Japanese War marked a significant turning point in East Asian history, as it demonstrated Japan's growing military power and highlighted the weaknesses of the Qing dynasty. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, which imposed harsh terms on China, including the cession of Taiwan and the Liaodong Peninsula to Japan, as well as the recognition of Korea's independence.
Kiyochika's series, including this print, provides valuable insight into the use of art as a tool for propaganda and public sentiment during this period. The exaggerated and satirical depiction of figures like Li Hongzhang reflects the nationalist fervor and confidence in Japan's modernization and military strength at the time. As a historical artifact, the print serves as a visual representation of the political and cultural dynamics of the late 19th century in East Asia.
