Description
This is an original pre-World War II Japanese war print from the official series
“Manchurian Incident Large Battle Illustrations” (No.15), produced in the early Shōwa era.
The print depicts the battle of the Shibata Detachment near Mao’er Mountain (帽児山) during the Manchurian Incident (1931–1932), an event that directly led Japan toward the Pacific War.
On the right side of the front page, the print is clearly marked:
“Property of the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff Headquarters”
This indicates that the work was not a fictional illustration, but a historical record image created for military documentation and analysis, based on official battle reports.
Artwork & Artist
The scene was painted by Yoshikichi Imamura, an Imperial Japanese Army infantry lieutenant colonel who also served as a military artist.
Because Imamura was an active officer, his works emphasize accurate terrain, troop movement, and battlefield conditions, rather than artistic imagination.
The dramatic night scene shows troops crossing a river under darkness, distant flames illuminating the water surface—capturing the tension, danger, and atmosphere of real combat operations.
Reverse Side (Historical Explanation)
The reverse side contains a detailed military explanation and tactical map, summarizing:
- The strategic importance of the Mao’er Mountain area
- Nighttime troop movements and river crossing operations
- Enemy positions and Japanese unit deployment
- How this engagement influenced subsequent operations
This makes the piece not only visual art, but a primary historical document reflecting how the Japanese Army recorded and interpreted warfare at the time.
Condition
- Size: approx. 305 × 225 mm (12 × 8.9 inches)
- Age-related toning, stains, spotting, and minor paper damage present
- Overall condition is consistent with authentic pre-war military materials
Why This Piece Matters
This is not just a war image.
It is a surviving fragment of Japan’s military history—created by the army itself, for the army.
For collectors of:
- Pre-WWII Japanese history
- Military art & documentation
- Manchurian Incident materials
- Pacific War origins
this is truly an opportunity to own a tangible piece of history.
Shipping
Worldwide Shipping
International e packet
Delivery Time:
approximate 7-21days(To USA)
With Tracking Number & NO Insurance
International
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding or buying.
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