Tsukioka Kogyo, "Kumasaka"

This Noh tells the story of a bandit named Kumasaka, whose ghost laments his death at the hands of the great warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune. The imposing composition of Kumasaka is grand in this woodblock print by Kogyo. The details of his costume (with mica highlights) are exquisitely printed and the clouds in the background gives this design an ethereal mood.

Noh is a dramatic dance-form of theatre developed in the 14th century based on otherworldly literary tales. In addition to the extreme skills of the performer, Noh’s defining aesthetic features is the use of masks and elaborate costumes, which helps to punctuate the mood of characters.

Series: Pictures of Noh
Date: 1897
Size: Oban (approx. 10” x 14”)
Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi
Condition: Slight mica rubbing, otherwise excellent
Shown in Classic Wood, Walnut

Tsukioka Kogyo (1869-1927) is a widely recognized Meiji-period artist of Noh woodblock prints. A student and adopted son of the master Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Kogyo’s Noh prints epitomize the styling of Meiji-period woodblock prints. While many prints from his “Pictures of Noh” series are simple, we are pleased to present some of his more standout designs from this series.