Gomo, from The Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety (NijÅ«shikō) 

Editor: This is Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s “Gomo, from The Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety (Nijūshikō)”. The scene feels so still, yet the swirling fabric injects a sense of dynamic energy. How do you read the symbolism here? Curator: The carp, often shown leaping, symbolizes perseverance and success. But consider the young boy holding the water: his devotion isn’t about personal gain, but caring for his ailing father. Editor: So, it's about reinterpreting symbols within a narrative of filial piety? Curator: Exactly. Kuniyoshi masterfully uses recognizable symbols, but their meaning shifts and deepens within the context of this specific act of devotion. The carp also represents courage. What did you notice about the father? Editor: He seems very tranquil, despite what’s happening. I guess I see the water brought to him is more than just water, it’s love and respect. Curator: Precisely! The image becomes a powerful statement about cultural values. Editor: I now see how the artist uses symbols to talk about duty and care. Curator: Indeed, Kuniyoshi invites us to contemplate how universal values take shape through visual storytelling.