Minamoto no Yoritomo Hiding in a Tree c. 1758

Torii Kiyoshige created this woodblock print, Minamoto no Yoritomo Hiding in a Tree, in Japan during the mid-18th century. It shows a scene of a famous samurai warrior hiding from his enemies. The image creates meaning through historical associations, in this case, the story of Minamoto no Yoritomo. Yoritomo was the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate of Japan. His life story would have been well known at the time, and by depicting him Kiyoshige plays on the cultural significance of the samurai class. During the Edo period, woodblock prints were an increasingly important part of visual culture, shaping the way people saw the world around them. They reflected a complex and hierarchical society. By choosing this story Kiyoshige might be commenting on the nature of power. Understanding these artworks better involves delving into the historical context, using research resources that shed light on the intricate relationships between art, society, and institutions. Remember, the meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.