Shōgetsu Toshu: Echoes of War and Tradition in Edo Prints Shōgetsu Toshu (東洲勝月), born Kojima Katsumi 小島勝美 around 1850, stands as a pivotal figure within the vibrant tapestry of late Edo-period Japanese art—specifically Ukiyo-e prints. His artistic journey unfolded against the backdrop of significant historical transformations, notably the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95 and the subsequent Meiji Restoration, shaping his oeuvre with themes of conflict, commemoration, and a nuanced engagement with modernizing forces. While biographical details remain somewhat elusive—records indicate he died in 19…