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, presumably a teacher or mentor, stands with one hand raised in a gesture of admonishment while pointing towards a young boy. This boy is positioned near a display case containing various goods – a crab being particularly prominent – suggesting the setting is related to trade and commerce.
Several other boys are present, their actions forming a narrative contrast. One boy, clad in blue and white robes, appears to be stealing from a barrel, his posture conveying guilt or apprehension. Another, dressed in red and white checkered attire, seems to be embracing a companion, possibly demonstrating affection or camaraderie. A third boy stands nearby, seemingly observing the unfolding events with an expression of concern or disapproval.
The artist has employed a vibrant color palette, utilizing blues, reds, and whites to delineate the figures and create visual interest. The use of patterned fabrics on the boys’ clothing adds detail and suggests social distinctions within their group. A sense of theatricality is present; the arrangement of the figures and their exaggerated expressions contribute to a didactic purpose.
Beyond the immediate depiction of youthful misbehavior and virtuous conduct, the scene hints at broader societal concerns regarding moral education and the training of young apprentices. The emphasis on proper behavior in a commercial setting suggests an awareness of the importance of ethical practices within the marketplace. The inclusion of seemingly mundane objects like the crab and the barrel serves to ground the narrative in everyday life while simultaneously elevating it to a level of symbolic significance. The overall impression is one of carefully constructed moral instruction, intended to guide young men toward responsible citizenship and professional conduct.