Daibutsu-kuyo, from the series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)"

Art Historical Context

Tsukioka Kôgyo (1869–1927), a master of Japanese woodblock printing during the Meiji era, *Daibutsu-kuyō* as part of his renowned series *Pictures of Performances (Nogaku Z)* in 1898. This woodblock print captures a scene from the Noh play *Daib-kuyō* by the legendary playwright Zeami, depicting a solemn ritual honoring the Great Buddha. Kôgyo's meticulous depictions preserved the elegance of Noh theater—a centuries-old art form blending dance, music, and masked drama—at a time when Japan was rapidly modernizing. Printed on washi paper measuring about 25.2 × 37.4 cm, the work showcases the virtuoso techniques of ukiyo-e: multiple carved woodblocks layered for vibrant hues, subtle gradations (bokashi), and intricate details in flowing robes, expressive masks, and atmospheric mist. These elements evoke the play's spiritual depth, where performers enact a ghostly dedication ceremony at the colossal Buddha statue in Nara. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this print highlights Noh's enduring cultural prestige, recognized today as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Kôgyo's series, comprising over 200 designs, bridged traditional kabuki imagery with Noh's refined austerity, offering visitors a window into Japan's artistic soul.

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...