Title
1. The image celebrates a military statue depicting an “Imperial Guards infantry.” Interestingly, the infantryman is facing the viewer..."
On Canvas
[card] Konoe hohei dai ichi, ni rentai (0607cc6c-bd86-4cf8-a25c-e925db1b4f2e)
From collection Military
Text
Christopher Arpin-
1. The image celebrates a military statue depicting an “Imperial Guards infantry.” Interestingly, the infantryman is facing the viewer of the postcard and looking directly at the observer. By positioning the photograph in this way, the statue appears more aggressive, as if the infantryman is ready to charge in the direction of the viewer (who is possibly a foreigner, based on the English writing at the bottom of the card).
2. The postcard may have been made to celebrate Japan’s military achievements. In the beginning half of the twentieth century, Japan was establishing a military empire throughout Asia. At the time of the postcard’s creation, Japan had recently been victorious in the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War (defeating a European empire: Russia), and had gained control over Taiwan and Korea, as well as former German colonial possessions in the region.
3. The military monument’s depiction in the postcard makes it appear enormous. The position of the photograph makes the monument appear much taller than the large, red building in the background. The monument also appears to be very well made, with a chain surrounding the statue, which is positioned atop a strong, tall base.