Scene From The Noh Theater Play Arashiyama
Technique: Giclée quality print
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This painting by Kogyo Tsukioka illustrates a dramatic scene from a Noh theater play, supposed to be "Arashiyama.” Noh is a traditional form of Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century. Each play combines poetic language, slow movements, heavy symbolism, and elaborate costumes to tell stories that are often steeped in Japanese mythology and folklore.The character in this artwork is depicted with profound intensity and a palpable sense of movement, which is characteristic of the art style Kogyo used to represent scenes from Noh. The figure is adorned in an opulent costume with rich patterns and colors, suggesting high rank or a supernatural nature, which is typical in Noh plays for characters such as spirits or nobility.The mask worn by the character, an essential element in Noh theatre that aids in expressing the role and emotion, appears aged and ghost-like, hinting that the character could be a supernatural entity or an old, wise figure. The vivid, wild white hair further adds to the ethereal and intense nature of the scene.The background is subtle and offers a touch of simplicity, which puts the focus squarely on the subject.
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Kogyo Tsukioka (1869-1927) was a Japanese painter, woodblock print artist, and the adopted son of famous ukiyo-e artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. His work focused on traditional Noh theater, a classical Japanese dance-drama, documenting performances through over 550 woodblock prints decorated with gold and silver. He also painted scenes of nature and from the Sino-Japanese war.