Hoofdstuk 10 1847 - 1850

Utagawa Kunisada crafted this woodblock print, now at the Rijksmuseum, with incredible detail. Notice the grouping of figures, each adorned in vibrant kimonos and with carefully arranged hair, placed on a wooden deck that invites us into their world. Here, the motif of the sword, carried by the standing figure, resonates deeply. Beyond its obvious association with martial prowess and social standing, the sword has been a consistent symbol across many cultures, from ancient Rome to feudal Japan. It signifies not only power, but also justice, protection, and honor. However, its representation shifts dramatically. In some eras, it embodies heroic virtue; in others, oppressive force. This transformation reflects how societies project their subconscious desires and fears onto symbols, imbuing them with new emotional weight. In this print, the sword's presence creates an intense, palpable tension, engaging us on a primal level. Symbols like the sword thus trace a non-linear path through history, continually adapting and embodying the evolving psyche of humanity.