
Artist's commentary
The Qing Dynasty's Northern Fleet in Yokohama Port
In 1891, Ding Ruchang, a Beiyang Fleet commander of the Qing Dynasty, arrived in Yokohama on July 5th with his six main ships (Dingyuan, Zhenyuan, Jingyuan, Laiyuan, Zhiyuan, and Jingyuan). Five years earlier, the Beiyang Fleet had caused quite a stir when it arrived in Nagasaki, but this time, discipline was strict and the Japanese side welcomed them in a friendly mood, and many exchange events were held. People were amazed by the size of the Dingyuan and Zhenyuan, and a parody song about the giant became popular: "Sit on Mount Fuji, Zhenyuan Dingyuan wears geta sandals."
The painting shows the Beiyang Fleet as seen from the foreign settlement in Yokohama. The large building on the right is the Yokohama Grand Hotel. Although it is not included in the picture, on the left is the Nishi-hat, which would later become the Yokohama Great Pier.
Acrylic on canvas, F6.