Blocking Device, from the Series ‘Long Live Japan! One Hundred Selections, One Hundred Laughs’
A hand-painted replica of Kobayashi Kiyochika’s masterpiece Blocking Device, 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.
"Blocking Device, from the Series ‘Long Live Japan! One Hundred Selections, One Hundred Laughs’" is a woodblock print created by the Japanese artist Kobayashi Kiyochika (1847–1915). This artwork is part of a satirical series titled Long Live Japan! One Hundred Selections, One Hundred Laughs (Nippon Banzai Hyakusen Hyakushō), which was published during the late Meiji period (1868–1912). The series is known for its humorous and critical commentary on contemporary political, social, and military events in Japan and abroad.
Kiyochika, often referred to as the "last ukiyo-e master," is celebrated for his innovative approach to traditional Japanese woodblock printing. His works frequently combined elements of Western artistic techniques, such as perspective and shading, with traditional Japanese aesthetics. In this series, Kiyochika employed satire to address themes of nationalism, modernization, and Japan's growing presence on the global stage during the Meiji era.
The specific print, "Blocking Device," reflects Kiyochika's use of humor and symbolism to critique or highlight a particular issue or event. While the exact context of this specific print is not widely documented, the series as a whole often depicted Japan's military conflicts, such as the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), as well as domestic reforms and societal changes. The title "Blocking Device" suggests a focus on obstruction or defense, possibly alluding to military strategies, technological advancements, or political maneuvers of the time.
Kiyochika's satirical series was part of a broader trend in Meiji-era art and literature that used humor and caricature to engage with the rapid transformations occurring in Japan. The prints were likely intended for a domestic audience, offering both entertainment and a means of reflecting on the nation's progress and challenges.
As with many works in this series, "Blocking Device" showcases Kiyochika's skill in blending traditional woodblock printing techniques with modern themes, making it a notable example of Meiji-period visual culture. The series remains an important historical artifact, providing insight into the social and political climate of Japan during a time of significant change.
Further specific details about the content or imagery of "Blocking Device" are not readily available in existing records.
