Moral teaching for shopboys, giving good and bad examples of behaviour Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)

The artwork presents a scene centered around what appears to be a lesson or demonstration for young boys, likely apprentices in a shop setting. A central figure, presumably a teacher or mentor, sits behind a low table laden with small bowls and containers filled with food – possibly sweets or snacks. This individual is dressed in formal attire, suggesting authority and respectability.
Around this central figure are several boys of varying ages. Some are seated on the floor, attentively observing the demonstration. One boy, positioned prominently near the front, seems to be reacting with a mixture of surprise and perhaps slight discomfort, his mouth agape. Another is shown reaching for a bowl, potentially illustrating eagerness or a lack of restraint. A third appears to be crying, possibly due to disappointment or reprimand.
To the left, a woman in elaborate robes gestures towards a plate held by another figure, seemingly offering an example of proper behavior or etiquette. Her posture and expression convey a sense of guidance and instruction. The presence of this female figure introduces a layer of social expectation regarding decorum and appropriate conduct.
The composition is carefully structured to create a visual narrative. The arrangement of the boys highlights contrasting behaviors – one reaching, one crying, another observing with apparent interest. This suggests an intended didactic purpose: illustrating the consequences of different actions.
The use of patterned fabrics in the clothing adds visual complexity and reinforces social distinctions. The background is relatively simple, drawing attention to the figures and their interactions. The inclusion of Japanese script within the image likely provides further context or commentary on the scenes moral lesson, though its precise meaning remains inaccessible without translation. Overall, the artwork conveys a sense of structured learning and the importance of proper conduct for young boys entering into a trade or profession.