Ama, from the series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)"

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, where Tsukioka Kôgyo's *Ama, from the "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)"* (1898) captivates with its vivid portrayal of Noh theater. This color woodblock print, measuring approximately 25.2 × 37.4 cm, features the role of *Ama*—likely the female diver from classic Noh drama—frozen in a moment of graceful intensity. Kôgyo, a master of late ukiyo-e and shinpa theater prints, dedicated much of his career to immortalizing Noh performers, blending tradition with the Meiji era's artistic evolution. Printed during Japan's modernization in 1898, the work exemplifies the enduring craft of woodblock printing: artisans carved separate blocks for each color, layering vibrant hues like deep blues and golds to evoke the ethereal masks and flowing robes of Noh. This technique, honed over centuries, allowed mass production while preserving intricate details, making high art accessible. Culturally, *Nogaku Zue* documents Noh—one of Japan's oldest performing arts—amid Western influences, safeguarding its poetic ghost stories and spiritual depth. Kôgyo's precise lines and dynamic compositions invite visitors to appreciate Noh's stylized beauty, bridging Edo-period legacy with modern eyes. A timeless gem! (198 words)

About the Artist

Tsukioka Kôgyo · 1869–1927

Tsukioka Kōgyo (1869–1927), born Hanyū Bennosuke in Tokyo's bustling Nihonbashi district as the second son of an innkeeper family, navigated a path from humble origins to mastery in Japanese printmaking. After his father's early death, he was raised by his mother's Sakamaki family and apprenticed in pottery painting under his uncle, a ceramics exporter in Yokohama. He briefly attended the Tokyo Sc...