Yashima, from the series Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue) - Tsukioka Kôgyo

A woodblock print by Tsukioka Kôgyo depicting a performer in the Noh play Yashima, showcasing the traditional costume and theatrical posture of the Meiji period.

This woodblock print by Tsukioka Kôgyo depicts a performer in the role of the ghost of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a central figure in the Noh play Yashima. Kôgyo was a student of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and dedicated much of his career to documenting the traditional Noh theatre. His series, Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue), provides a visual record of the costumes, masks, and movements characteristic of the genre during the Meiji period.

The figure is shown in a dynamic pose, holding a sword in one hand and a folding fan in the other. The costume is rendered with attention to the specific patterns and textures of silk garments worn on the Noh stage. The dark, patterned outer robe contrasts with the purple hakama trousers, which are decorated with gold-coloured tomoe motifs. The performer wears a mask, and their hair is styled in a manner consistent with the portrayal of a warrior spirit. The artist uses a clean, minimal background, which directs the viewer's attention to the figure and the specific details of the theatrical attire.

Kôgyo's work is valued for its technical precision and its role in preserving the aesthetic conventions of Noh. Unlike earlier ukiyo-e prints that often focused on kabuki actors, Kôgyo's focus on Noh reflects a shift in cultural interest during the late nineteenth century. The print captures the stillness and tension inherent in the performance, rather than a moment of high action. The use of colour is restrained, relying on the interplay between the deep green of the robe, the purple of the trousers, and the subtle tones of the fan. This print is a representative example of the artist's contribution to the documentation of Japanese performing arts.