Jung You (Chu Yu), from the series "Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety in China (Morokoshi nijushiko)"
c. 1848/50
Medium
Color woodblock print; chuban
Dimensions
25 × 17.8 cm (9 13/16 × 7 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
149890
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
In the vibrant world of 19th-century Japanese ukiyo-e prints, Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) shines as a master storyteller, renowned for his dynamic depictions of warriors, heroes, and moral tales. This color woodblock print, titled *Jung You (Chu Yu from the series *Twenty-four Paragons ofial Piety in ChinaMorokoshi nijushiko)*, dates to around 1848–50. Measuring a compact chuban size (25 × 17.8 cm), it captures a poignant moment from a classic Confucian story, showcasing Kuniyoshi's skill in blending historical narrative with expressive artistry. The series draws from ancient Chinese lore, illustrating 24 exemplary acts of filial piety—core virtues in Confucian philosophy that emphasized devotion to one's parents. *Jung You (Chu Yu)* likely depicts the legendary son Zhong You (also known as Chu Yu), who braved freezing nights by warming his elderly father's bed with his own body, embodying self-sacrifice and unwavering loyalty. Popular in Edo-period Japan (1603–1868), these prints served as moral guides, bridging Chinese traditions with Japanese values amid a flourishing woodblock print culture. Kuniyoshi's technique exemplifies ukiyo-e mastery: intricate carving on woodblocks allowed for bold colors, fine lines, and dramatic compositions, printed in editions for everyday audiences. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this piece highlights how such affordable art democratized ethical stories, inviting reflection on family bonds across cultures.
About the Artist
Utagawa Kuniyoshi · 1797–1861
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) was born in Edo to the silk-dyer Yanagiya Kichiyemon, originally bearing the childhood name Yoshisaburō. From a young age, he assisted in his family's pattern design work, which sharpened his innate mastery of color and textile motifs that would permeate his later prints. At around twelve years old, his prodigious drawing skills drew the attention of the renowned Utag...