Handscroll of Tyrannical Government

Painting by Itō Ryūgai Japanese
 Colophon by Akimoto Shatei Japanese

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 231

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.

Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan

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Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan
Handscroll of Tyrannical Government, Painting by Itō Ryūgai (Japanese, 1880–1960), Handscroll: ink and color on silk, Japan

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