Japanese Print "Yökyö" by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Artist:Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Title:Yökyö
Date:c. 1843 - 1847
Details:More information...
Source:Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description:
This print depicts an enormous tiger poised to leap over a raging torrent and attack Yökyö and his elderly father. Yökyö intervenes, placing himself between the tiger and his father, then begs the tiger to eat him instead. The tiger recognizes the boy’s self-sacrifice on his father’s behalf, and rewards his filial piety by sparing them both. "Imagination, Power Humor: The Art of Utagawa Kuniyoshi" 10/14/2010 - 12/19/2010 **************************************** The depiction of tigers in Japanese prints usually attributes to them a menacing and ferocious attitude, such as seen here-the tiger is about to jump over a raging torrent to attack an elderly man. His young daughter intervenes, placing herself between the oversized tiger and her father. The tiger recognizes the girl's self-sacrifice, and rewards her filial piety by sparing both of them. (Tattoo exhibition 2005)