Kosode with a Paragon of Filial Piety
In the late Edo period, warrior-class women often wore robes ornamented with Japanese or Chinese classical or literary themes. Embedded in the decoration of this robe—a winter landscape with plum blossoms and chrysanthemums—is a visual reference to the ancient Chinese Confucian legends known as the Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety.
The story illustrated here involves Wang Xiang (Japanese: Ōshō), a third-century official who, to fulfill his stepmother's craving for fresh fish in midwinter, caught some fish by lying on the ice until it melted. Wang Xiang is represented by only his clothing: an official's cap in gold with a red cord and a court robe in white with green details lie on the riverbank in front of a fishing pole and creel.
The story illustrated here involves Wang Xiang (Japanese: Ōshō), a third-century official who, to fulfill his stepmother's craving for fresh fish in midwinter, caught some fish by lying on the ice until it melted. Wang Xiang is represented by only his clothing: an official's cap in gold with a red cord and a court robe in white with green details lie on the riverbank in front of a fishing pole and creel.
Artwork Details
- Title: Kosode with a Paragon of Filial Piety
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: 19th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Resist-dyed, painted, and embroidered silk crepe
- Dimensions: Overall: 67 x 52 in. (170.2 x 132.1 cm)
- Classification: Costumes
- Credit Line: Gift of Phillip H. Rubin, 2006
- Object Number: 2006.572.1
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Chōbunsai Eishi
early 19th century
Sakai Ōho
ca. 1839
Tibet
19th century
Japan
mid-19th century
Returned to lender
Japan
second half of the 19th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.