Pre-War Manchurian Incident Battle Print Imperial General Staff Collection For Sale

This is an original pre-war Japanese battle print from the official series “Manchurian Incident Grand Battle Illustrations,” Plate No.16, published before World War II.

The print is clearly marked “Imperial General Staff Collection” on the upper right margin, indicating that it was produced based on materials preserved by Japan’s central military planning authority.

This places the piece firmly in the category of primary historical source material, rather than later interpretation or postwar reproduction.

■ Front Illustration (Battle Scene)

The front depicts the battle involving Kin Company near Hachidōgō, during the early phase of the Manchurian Incident.

Japanese troops are shown advancing across a river toward enemy positions.

The composition carefully records terrain features such as riverbanks, embankments, and fortified areas, while clearly showing troop movement under fire.

This is not merely a dramatic war image—it was created as a record of an actual engagement, intended to preserve tactical reality.

The artist, Yoshikichi Imamura, was an Imperial Japanese Army infantry lieutenant colonel, and his military background is evident in the disciplined structure and accurate spatial awareness of the scene.

■ Reverse Side (Tactical Explanation)

The reverse side contains a detailed tactical explanation of the same battle, combining text and a diagrammatic map.

It explains:

• Positions of friendly and opposing forces
• Movement routes and attack directions
• Use of terrain such as rivers, elevations, and defensive lines
• The progression of encirclement and assault

This format reflects how battles were analyzed and shared internally by the Imperial General Staff, serving as instructional material for officers rather than public propaganda.

In other words, this piece documents how the battle was understood at the command level, not just how it appeared on the battlefield.

■ Historical Significance

What makes this print particularly valuable:

• Based on Imperial General Staff–held materials
• Combines battle artwork with tactical analysis
• Created by an active-duty army officer
• Documents the early stage of Japan’s overseas military expansion

This is not simply a war image—it is a historical record of how modern warfare was observed, analyzed, and recorded by the Japanese Army.

For collectors of military history, East Asian history, or pre-WWII printed materials, this is truly an opportunity to own a piece of history.

■ Size & Condition

• Size: approx. 305 × 225 mm
• Condition: age-related toning, stains, dirt, and small tears present
  (typical for original pre-war paper Shipping

  International e packet

  Delivery Time:

  approximate 7-21days(To USA)

  With Tracking Number & NO Insurance

  International

  Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding or buying.

  
  

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