"Although officers were not named, prints such as this were intended to raise patriotism, respect and admiration for the armed forces. Tsukioka Kōgyo was the adopted son of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, the last great Ukiyo-e printmaker. Kōgyo excelled in depictions of Nō drama, a theatrical form that was patronized by the Court elite and the aristocracy during Edo Period Japan. By the late 19th century, lack of patronage and disinterest of the general population meant Nō as an art form was in danger of disappearing. Kōgyo had the misfortune to be born at the wrong time, although his skills and technique were superb, he was not considered part of the Ukiyo-e movement and was too old-fashioned to fit into Shin-hanga or The New Print movement that developed in the early 20th century"--From label.