A comparison between the ancient and modern martial prowess; comparing contemporary Japanese soldiers competing on water with a heroic sea battle of old. Colour woodcut by Kamiyama Seikichi, 1880/1881.

The top section depicts the start of a boat race along the Mukōjima embankment of the Sumida river in Tokyo in the Imperial presence, mimicing the Thames races; the middle section depicts a famous sea battle in Gempei wars; the bottom section depicts a horse race across the Sumida river in Tokyo, most probably by the Ryōgoku bridge

The top and bottom sections depict contemporary scenes; the middle depicts a medieval scene

Edo [Tokyo] : Kamiyama Seikichi, 1880/1881.

1 print : woodcut, printed in colours

Kamiyama Seikichi Bears publisher's mark and censor's seal

Wellcome Collection 36164i