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

Art Historical Context

**Izutsu, from *Pictures of No PerformancesNogaku Zue*)Tsukioka Kôgyo (1869–1927), a master of late Meiji-era Japanese printmaking, created this striking color woodblock print in 1898 as part of his renowned *Nogaku Zue*. This ambitious collection of over 200 designs immortalizes scenes from Noh theater, Japan's elegant classical drama form dating back to the 14th century. *Izutsu* captures a pivotal moment from Zeami's famous Noh play of the same name, evoking the poetic tale of a woman haunted by memories at a stone well-curb, blending supernatural grace with human emotion. Printed on paper measuring about 25.2 × 37.4 cm, the work exemplifies ukiyo-e techniques refined over centuries: intricate carving on woodblocks allowed for vibrant mineral pigments in shades of red, blue, and gold, layered to mimic the opulent silk costumes and subtle mask expressions of Noh performers. Kôgyo's precise lines and dynamic compositions freeze the stylized poses (kata) central to Noh, making inaccessible performances vivid and intimate for everyday viewers. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this print highlights woodblock's role in preserving cultural heritage during Japan's modernization. It invites us to appreciate Noh's timeless fusion of music, dance, and myth, a UNESCO-recognized treasure that continues to inspire global audiences. (218 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...