Act Ten: Amakawaya House from the play Chushingura (Treasury of the Forty-seven Loyal Retainers) c. 1795

Katsukawa Shun'ei created this woodblock print depicting a scene from the play Chushingura, Act Ten: Amakawaya House. Take note of the 'manji' symbols on the wall, derived from the ancient swastika. The swastika, an ancient symbol found across cultures from the Bronze Age onward, is associated with divinity and good fortune. The symbol's appearance in this print is likely tied to its auspicious connotations within Buddhist contexts, predating its appropriation by the Nazi regime. It serves to lend a layer of spiritual protection to the scene, even as violence unfolds. Observe the contrast in meaning: A symbol of peace now juxtaposed with conflict. It shows how easily symbols can be twisted, betraying their original intent. This image resonates with the powerful, often subconscious impact of symbols, shaping how we perceive the world and our place within it.