KOTO (active 1894-1904)

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Little is known of this artist ( whose name can also be read Koshu ), although he seems to have been a pupil of Gekko. A superb 6-sheet design of the great naval battle outside the port of Ryojun ( Port Arthur ). Ryojunkogai daikaisen zu. Shows the attack by Admiral Togo Heihachiro on the Russian destroyers on the night of the 8-9th February 1904. The Russian Vice Admiral Oskar Starks had three vessels hit by Japanese torpedoes. War was declared between Japan and Russia on the 10th February 1904. Published by Heikichi Kimura 1904. The finest design of this genre and period when the publishers had to produce speedy propaganda prints, quickly superseded by photographic processes. Shows the powerful searchlights raking the waves and vessels cleverly tying the six sheets together.

Very fine impression with extensive splashed gofun. Fine colour and condition. Signed Koto.

Status: Sold