A Daimyo Talking to One of His Retainers 1615 - 1868

Katsukawa Shunko created this woodblock print titled, "A Daimyo Talking to One of His Retainers," now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The print strikes one as a study in contrasts, both in form and implied status. The Daimyo looms in the composition, his exaggerated features and heightened perspective asserting dominance. His retainer, positioned lower and to the side, receives the daimyo's intense gaze. Shunko employs sharp, deliberate lines to define the daimyo's imposing presence, contrasting with the softer rendering of the retainer, who seems to shrink under scrutiny. The colors are muted, yet strategically applied to emphasize the power dynamic. The daimyo's robe, adorned with bold patterns, draws the eye, while the retainer's attire blends into the background. This visual hierarchy is further emphasized by the spatial arrangement, as the daimyo occupies a larger portion of the frame, overshadowing his subordinate. Through these formal elements, Shunko masterfully conveys the complexities of feudal hierarchy and the weight of unspoken authority.