Tsukioka Kogyo, "Tadanori"

Taira no Tadanori was a great warrior poet whose legacy was ignored as a result of his death and his clan’s defeat at the hands of Genji in the 12th century. In this Noh, his enemy, Okabe no Rokuyata, finds a poem by Tadanori about cherry blossoms attached to an arrow. Tadanori’s ghost appears to appeal for recognition of his poetic skills. The exquisitely detailed costumed actor is rich in color with mica highlights throughout.

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: 1898
Size: Oban (approx. 10” x 14”)
Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi
Condition: 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. Tokaido Arts is pleased to present some of his more standout designs from his “Pictures of Noh” series of woodblock prints.