Title: Illustration of Capture of Bakō castle on Taiwan Islands
Creator: UtagawaKokunimasa
Creator Lifespan: 1874 - 1944
Creator Nationality: Japanese
Creator Gender: Male
Creator Death Place: Japan
Date Created: Meiji Period, dated 1895
Location: Japan
Physical Dimensions: w29 x h14.5 in
Label Text: The Penghu Islands are located between the Island of Taiwan and mainland China. The Japanese Imperial Guard was in charge of its invasion. The campaign was launched on March 23rd and lasted for only 3 days, since the Japanese met with little or no resistance. Interestingly, peace negotiations had already started on March 20th, and in the beginning Penghu Islands and Taiwan were excluded from negotiations, allowing the Japanese to occupy them. The capture of The Penghu Islands prevented any Chinese reinforcements from being brought to Taiwan. On April 17th The Treaty of Shimonoseki ended The Sino-Japanese war, and Japan was rewarded with substantial territorial, political and monetary gains. Korea was recognized as an independent country, which allowed for increased Japanese influence. Japan took possession of Port Arthur, The Penghu Islands and Taiwan. Six days after the Treaty was signed, France, Germany and Russia intervened, forcing Japan to return Port Arthur to China. This loss was considered an insult in Japan especially after Russia leased Port Arthur from China a few days after Japanese troops withdrew.
Type: Print
Rights: Metropolitan Museum and Art Center Collection, Anonymous gift
Medium: Tryptich woodblock print, ink and colors on paper
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