Ukiyoe print

Looks like a bonsai in this print. They're not commonly depicted in woodblocks, but there are a few.

http://www.ukiyo-e.se/wwwboard/messages/22281.html

why does the angry man wish to hack up the cowering woman ?

perhaps because of an (assumed ?) infidelity with the shadowy figure sneaking away like a thief in the night ?

Don't have time now for all the Japanese myths and legends and historical tales, but they're well worth reading, Kevin. Nothing so lascivious, tho. Think pure thoughts.

JimLewis wrote: Think pure thoughts.

would that i could, my friend, would that i could

and illicit lasciviousness is second only to religion in making men do horrible things to others...

That's one of the Kabuki's scene called Kanadehon Chyushingura. act 7.
The both are siblings, elder bro Heiemon and younger sis Okaru. Shadowman is probably Yuranosuke, heiemon's boss.
Here is another ukiyoe depicted same act by Hokusai.

beer city snake wrote:why does the angry man wish to hack up the cowering woman ?

For details, refer act 7 of jti.lib.virginia.edu/japanese/chushingura/kennelly-chushingura.html.

i guess vendettas and loyalty are right up there with religion and matters of the heart...
perhaps those are the true building blocks of war  

thank you for the reply and link.