Page from Teikin Ōrai 庭訓往来 1586

This is a page from Teikin Ōrai, made in Japan by Sonchō with ink on paper. Although undated, this work comes from a period where Japanese society was highly structured and influenced by both indigenous traditions and imported ideas from China. The Teikin Ōrai, or "Household Instructions," was a type of textbook used to educate children, primarily from samurai families, on essential aspects of daily life, ethics, and practical knowledge. As a visual document, the calligraphy here echoes the importance of literacy and classical learning in maintaining social hierarchies and cultural norms. The selection of content and its presentation reflected the values that the ruling elite wished to instill in the next generation. It can be seen as a tool for cultural reproduction. To fully understand this work, we might consult historical records, such as educational treatises, family archives, and accounts of daily life from the period. This would allow us to understand the role of education in shaping social identities and power relations.