"Paper-lanterns hanging daintily from the branches" Artist unknown, Post-1944

Catalogue ref: INF 3/1845

Printed in a traditional Japanese woodblock style, are two images of a Japanese soldier sitting beneath a tree. In the first image he sits looking very pleased with himself with coloured Japanese paper-lanterns hanging daintily from the branches above him. In the finished version the lanterns each represent a nation occupied by the Japanese. From top centre going clockwise, Manchuria, Korea, Phillipines, New Guinea, Dutch East Indies, Malaya, Thailand, Occupied China, Burma and in the centre Borneo.

In the second image a strong wind overwritten with the words, ALLIED OFFENSIVE, blows through the branches of his tree, tearing the lanterns in half and darkening the sky whilst the poor fellow clings to the trunk for his life!