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

Art Historical Context

Tsukioka Kôgyo (1869–1927), a leading Japanese printmaker of the Meiji, created *Arashiyama* as part of his renowned series *Pictures of Noances (Nogaku Z)* in 1898. This woodblock print captures a dramatic moment from the classical Noh play *Arashiyama*, showcasing the intricate world of Noh theater—one of Japan's oldest performing arts, dating back to the 14th century. Kôo's work preserves the elegance of Noh performers in their elaborate silk costumes, carved wooden masks, and stylized poses, bridging traditional kabuki influences with the more austere aesthetic of Noh. Printed on a sheet measuring approximately 25.2 × 37.4 cm, the artwork exemplifies the shin-hanga revival of ukiyo-e techniques during Japan's modernization. Multiple woodblocks were meticulously carved and inked in vibrant layers—often up to 10 or more colors—to achieve the print's luminous depth, subtle textures, and embossed effects like mica dusting for a shimmering glow. This labor-intensive process highlights the craftsmanship of late 19th-century Japanese printmaking, even as Western influences emerged. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, *Arashiyama* offers visitors a window into Noh's cultural significance: a ritualistic art form blending Zen philosophy, poetry, and dance. Kôgyo's series, totaling over 200 prints, immortalized fading traditions amid rapid societal change, making this piece a treasured document of Japan's artistic heritage.

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...