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

The composition presents a scene unfolding within what appears to be a shop or mercantile establishment. A central figure, robustly built and clad in a dark kimono with a striped pattern, dominates the foreground, gesturing emphatically towards two young boys seated on a raised platform covered with green fabric. The man’s posture conveys authority and an intent to instruct.
To his right, one of the boys displays a distressed expression, clutching his head with both hands while leaning against a barrel. His attire is elaborate, featuring vibrant red and patterned fabrics, suggesting a degree of privilege or status. Adjacent to him, another boy exhibits a grimace, seemingly reacting to the man’s reprimand. Both are positioned in close proximity to a bucket, adding an element of domesticity or perhaps even shame to their situation.
On the left side of the scene, two additional boys are visible within a partitioned area. One appears to be engrossed in reading from a scroll, while the other is engaged with what seems to be a small object – possibly a toy or tool – held in his hands. Their expressions are less overtly emotional than those of the boys receiving direct instruction, suggesting a more passive observation of the unfolding events.
Hanging prominently on the walls are banners bearing inscriptions written in Japanese script. These likely contain didactic messages related to proper conduct and moral principles, reinforcing the scene’s overarching theme of education and ethical guidance. A small cat is depicted at the bottom left corner, seemingly oblivious to the human drama taking place above it.
The color palette is characterized by a blend of muted greens, browns, and reds, with touches of brighter hues used to highlight specific elements like the boys clothing and the banners. The use of perspective creates a sense of depth within the confined space of the shop, drawing attention to the central interaction between the man and the boys.
Subtly, the work explores themes of social hierarchy and the transmission of values within a commercial setting. The contrast between the demonstrative reprimand directed at the two boys and the more subdued activities of the others suggests a nuanced approach to moral instruction – one that acknowledges individual differences and potential for both virtuous and problematic behavior. The presence of the cat introduces an element of levity, perhaps hinting at the complexities of human morality in relation to the natural world.