Procession of Russian Soldiers with Bayonets, from the Album of seven prints of Russian Army and Warship (Roshia seigi shashin kan)

Art Historical Context

This colorful woodblock print, titled “Procession of Russian Soldiers with Bayonets,” was created by the Japanese artist Keiga in 1853. As part of an album containing seven prints of the Russian army and warships, it vividly portrays a line of soldiers equipped with bayonets, showcasing their military attire and disciplined march. The year 1853 marked a crucial period in Japanese history, as the nation began to interact more directly with foreign powers after centuries of relative isolation. Prints like this one served an important documentary function, allowing people to see representations ...