Exterminating a Suffering Russian Bear, from the Series ‘Long Live Japan! One Hundred Selections, One Hundred Laughs’
A hand-painted replica of Kobayashi Kiyochika’s masterpiece Exterminating a Suffering Russian Bear, 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.
"Exterminating a Suffering Russian Bear, from the Series ‘Long Live Japan! One Hundred Selections, One Hundred Laughs’" is a woodblock print created by the Japanese artist Kobayashi Kiyochika during the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905). 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 to celebrate Japan's military successes and to mock its adversaries during the conflict.
Kobayashi Kiyochika (1847–1915) was a prominent Japanese artist known for his ukiyo-e prints and his innovative approach to incorporating Western artistic techniques into traditional Japanese woodblock printing. During the Russo-Japanese War, Kiyochika created a series of propaganda prints that reflected the nationalistic fervor of the time. These prints often used humor, caricature, and symbolism to convey their messages, appealing to a wide audience in Japan.
In this particular print, the "suffering Russian bear" symbolizes the Russian Empire, which was depicted as weakened and struggling in the face of Japan's military strength. The bear, a common symbol of Russia, is shown in a state of distress, emphasizing Japan's dominance in the conflict. The imagery reflects the broader themes of the series, which sought to boost Japanese morale and ridicule the enemy through exaggerated and often humorous depictions.
The Russo-Japanese War was a significant event in early 20th-century history, marking the first time an Asian power defeated a European power in modern warfare. The conflict arose from competing imperial ambitions in East Asia, particularly over control of Korea and Manchuria. Japan's victory in the war was a source of immense national pride and was celebrated through various forms of media, including woodblock prints like those created by Kiyochika.
Kiyochika's series is notable for its use of satire and its ability to capture the public sentiment of the time. The prints served both as propaganda and as a form of entertainment, blending traditional Japanese artistic styles with contemporary political commentary. Today, these works are studied as important examples of wartime art and as reflections of the cultural and political climate of Meiji-era Japan.
This print, like others in the series, provides insight into how art was used as a tool for propaganda and how it contributed to shaping public opinion during a pivotal moment in Japanese history.
