Captain Higuchi, Company Commander in the Sixth Division, from the Series ‘Mirror of Famous Army and Navy Men’
A hand-painted replica of Kobayashi Kiyochika’s masterpiece Captain Higuchi, Company Commander in the Sixth Division, from the Series ‘Mirror of Famous Army and Navy Men’, 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.
The artwork titled Captain Higuchi, Company Commander in the Sixth Division, from the Series ‘Mirror of Famous Army and Navy Men’ was created by Kobayashi Kiyochika, a prominent Japanese artist known for his ukiyo-e woodblock prints and his depictions of modern warfare during the Meiji era. This piece is part of a larger series called Mirror of Famous Army and Navy Men (Rikukaigun meiyū kagami), which celebrated notable military figures of Japan during the late 19th century.
Kobayashi Kiyochika (1847–1915) is often regarded as a transitional figure in Japanese art, bridging traditional ukiyo-e techniques with modern themes influenced by Japan's rapid industrialization and military modernization during the Meiji Restoration. His works frequently depicted scenes of war, technological advancements, and the modernization of Japanese society. The series to which this artwork belongs was produced during the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895), a conflict that marked Japan's emergence as a modern military power in East Asia.
The subject of this particular print, Captain Higuchi, is portrayed as a company commander in the Sixth Division of the Imperial Japanese Army. The Sixth Division was one of the key units of the Japanese military during the First Sino-Japanese War, and its soldiers participated in several significant battles. While specific biographical details about Captain Higuchi are not readily available, his inclusion in the series suggests that he was recognized for his leadership or contributions during the war.
The artwork itself reflects Kiyochika's characteristic style, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western-inspired techniques, such as the use of shading and perspective. The print likely served as both a form of propaganda and a tribute to the bravery and accomplishments of Japan's military leaders. Such works were intended to inspire patriotism and support for Japan's military efforts among the public.
As with many of Kiyochika's war-related prints, this piece emphasizes the valor and discipline of the Japanese armed forces, aligning with the nationalistic sentiments of the time. The series as a whole contributed to the popular image of Japan's military as modern, capable, and heroic, reinforcing the country's growing confidence on the international stage.
Further detailed information about Captain Higuchi's life or specific actions during the war is not readily available in historical records.
