Twenty-four Japanese examples of filial piety for the Honchôren c. 1821

This woodblock print by Yashima Gakutei, titled "Twenty-four Japanese examples of filial piety for the Honchôren," is one of a series showcasing exemplary acts of filial piety, a core Confucian value in Japanese culture. The image depicts a man scattering rice in a field, a symbol of his devotion and labor for his elderly parents. Gakutei, born in 1786 and active until 1868, captures the man’s weathered face and tired but determined posture. This intimate portrayal of filial piety, a timeless theme in Japanese art, was likely part of a collection meant for the Honchôren, a type of illustrated book popular in the Edo period. The work was likely intended for a general audience interested in morality tales and Japanese cultural values.