絵本孝経|Picture Book of The Kōkyō [Ch. Xiao Qing], Canon of Filial Piety (Ehon kōkyō} 絵本孝経

Art Historical Context

Katsushika Hokusai’s *Picture Book of the Kōkyō* (Ehon kōkyō) offers a vivid visual interpretation of the ancient Chinese *Classic of Filial Piety* (Xiaojing), a foundational Confucian text emphasizing respect for parents and elders. Created in 1850 during Japan’s Edo period, this set of two woodblock-printed books uses simple ink-on-paper illustrations to make moral teachings accessible to a broad audience. Hokusai, celebrated for his dynamic ukiyo-e style, populates the pages with lively scenes of men engaged in daily work, reading, and interactions with horses—elements that ground abstract virtues in relatable, everyday moments. Woodblock printing was a vital medium in 19th-century Japan, allowing intricate designs to be reproduced affordably and shared widely. Here, Hokusai’s expressive linework and compositional energy transform the solemn text into an engaging picture book. The inclusion of animals and labor scenes highlights how filial piety was understood not just as family duty but as a principle shaping broader social harmony and personal conduct. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2013, this late work demonstrates Hokusai’s enduring ability to blend instruction with visual delight, preserving Confucian ideals within Japanese popular culture.

About the Artist

Katsushika Hokusai 葛飾北斎 (Japanese) · 1760 –1849

Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1760–1849 Tokyo (Edo)