Handscroll of Tyrannical Government
This handscroll draws its subject matter from an ancient Chinese morality tale, which cautions that “a harsh government is more fearsome than a tiger.” The story relates an encounter between Confucius and a grieving woman who has lost her entire family to tiger attacks. When the philosopher asks why she continues to live in such a dangerous place, she responds that the area, despite its natural threats, is free from tyrannical government.
Itō Ryūgai, a practitioner of Nihonga (modern Japanese-style painting), recontextualized the tale in ancient Japan. Visualizing its warning about the unmatched dangers of a corrupt government, the artist juxtaposed colorful images of luxury at court with somber scenes in which armed soldiers enforce the collection of rice from impoverished villagers.
Itō Ryūgai, a practitioner of Nihonga (modern Japanese-style painting), recontextualized the tale in ancient Japan. Visualizing its warning about the unmatched dangers of a corrupt government, the artist juxtaposed colorful images of luxury at court with somber scenes in which armed soldiers enforce the collection of rice from impoverished villagers.
Artwork Details
- 伊藤龍涯筆 秋元酒汀跋 「苛政行画巻」
- Title: Handscroll of Tyrannical Government
- Artist: Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960)
- Artist: Colophon by Akimoto Shatei (Japanese, 1869–1945)
- Period: Taishō period (1912–26)
- Date: 1920
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Handscroll: ink and color on silk
- Dimensions: Image: 19 11/16 in. × 33 ft. 7/8 in. (50 × 1008 cm)
Overall with mounting: 21 1/16 in. × 38 ft. 11/16 in. (53.5 × 1160 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2023
- Object Number: 2023.583.51
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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