Yang Xiang (Yō Kō), from the series A Child’s Mirror of the Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety (Nijūshi kō dōji kagami) 1843

This print, “Yang Xiang” was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi in 19th century Japan, using woodblock printing. This technique, known as *ukiyo-e*, involves carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink, and pressing it onto paper. The key block defines the image, with additional blocks adding color. Notice how the flat, bold colors and clear outlines create a dynamic scene. The tiger's stripes, the flowing water, and the figures' clothing are all rendered with careful precision, and the labor of carving becomes visible through the lines of the print. This print comes from a series about filial piety, or respect for one's elders. The story shows a young boy named Yang Xiang protecting his father from a tiger. By using the *ukiyo-e* technique, traditionally associated with popular culture, Kuniyoshi elevates this moral tale, making it accessible to a wide audience. It reminds us that even everyday objects can carry profound cultural meaning.