Tsukioka Kogyo, "Yugao, Tales of Genji"

Chapter 4 of the famous Tales of Genji centers on Prince Genji’s love affair with a mysterious maiden he calls Yugao, after the moonflower vine. Their affair draws the ire of one of Genji’s former lovers, who kills Yugao. In this striking piece, Kogyo positions the spirit of Yugao in front of her namesake flower. Amazing color, detail, and composition makes this woodblock print one of the best in the series.

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: 1900
Size: Oban (approx. 10” x 14”)
Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi
Condition: Slight mica rubbing, otherwise excellent
Shown in Modern Metal, Walnut Frame

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.