No. 3: Kato Kiyomasa, from the series "Three Tales of Valor (Buyu sanban tsuzuki)" 1820

Katsukawa Shuntei created this woodblock print of Kato Kiyomasa around the late 18th or early 19th century, a time when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This print is part of a series celebrating valor, tapping into a renewed interest in samurai culture. Notice the imposing figure of Kato Kiyomasa, a famed military commander, towering over his adversary. This image creates meaning through its use of visual codes, with Kiyomasa depicted in full samurai armor, a symbol of power and authority. The print reflects the social structures of its time, idealizing the samurai class. It's worth noting that the Tokugawa period was marked by strict social hierarchies. Understanding the print requires delving into the historical context of samurai culture and the socio-political dynamics of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Investigating historical texts and records from that period will provide insights into the cultural significance of this artwork. Remember, art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.