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Handscroll of Tyrannical Government

Painting by Itō Ryūgai Japanese
Colophon by Akimoto Shatei Japanese
1920
Not on view
This handscroll draws its subject matter from an ancient Chinese morality tale, which cautions that “a harsh government is more fearsome than a tiger.” The story relates an encounter between Confucius and a grieving woman who has lost her entire family to tiger attacks. When the philosopher asks why she continues to live in such a dangerous place, she responds that the area, despite its natural threats, is free from tyrannical government.

Itō Ryūgai, a practitioner of Nihonga (modern Japanese-style painting), recontextualized the tale in ancient Japan. Visualizing its warning about the unmatched dangers of a corrupt government, the artist juxtaposed colorful images of luxury at court with somber scenes in which armed soldiers enforce the collection of rice from impoverished villagers.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 伊藤龍涯筆　秋元酒汀跋　「苛政行画巻」
  • Title: Handscroll of Tyrannical Government
  • Artist: Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960)
  • Artist: Colophon by Akimoto Shatei (Japanese, 1869–1945)
  • Period: Taishō period (1912–26)
  • Date: 1920
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Handscroll: ink and color on silk
  • Dimensions: Image: 19 11/16 in. × 33 ft. 7/8 in. (50 × 1008 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 21 1/16 in. × 38 ft. 11/16 in. (53.5 × 1160 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2023
  • Object Number: 2023.583.51
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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