This print, number 19 from the series Kyōdō risshi no motoi (Instructive Models of Lofty Ambition), was designed by Inoue Yasuji (Tankei) in 1885. The scene depicts Aoto Fujitsuna, a 13th-century minister and councilor of the Kamakura Shogunate, who was highly renowned for his thrift and uprightness. The composition, based on a story from the 14th-century historical epic Taiheiki, illustrates a famous incident where Fujitsuna accidentally dropped 10 mon (coins) into the Namerigawa River at night. He is shown standing on a bridge holding a torch, directing his servants who are searching the water below. To find the lost coins, he paid 50 mon for the torches. When critics called him a fool for spending 50 mon to recover only 10, he explained his philosophy: if left in the river, the 10 mon would be lost to the world forever. The 50 mon spent on torches, however, profited the merchant and remained within the public economy, meaning there was no overall loss. His critics were left speechless with admiration for his wisdom and public spirit.
#25000346
VISIONS OF THE FLOATING WORLD
From Hokusai and Hiroshige through Kunisada to Koson – 92 catalogue lots containing over 100 original woodblock prints.
