Antique Original Japanese Woodblock Print by Tsukioka Kogyo -Tamakazura- c.1920s
Presented is a beautiful Japanese full oban-size woodblock print created by the renowned artist of the late Meiji period, Tsukioka Kogyo (1869 - 1927).
This print comes from the series “Pictures of Noh Performances (Nogaku Zue)” - the series Kogyo was making from 1898-1899. It is called "Tamakazura", for the Lady Tamakazura, a character from the 11th-century novel "The Tale of Genji.".
Born the illegitimate daughter of Genji's best friend and left homeless at a young age, she was raised by a nurse in the provinces. On her return to the capital, Genji appeared to play the role of protective father. He was, in fact, secretly in love with the girl and made unwelcome advances. To escape her predicament, Tamakazura married a man she detested. Kogyo shows Tamakazura performing a dance that conveys her feelings.
Tsukioka Kōgyo (April 18, 1869 – February 25, 1927) was a Japanese artist of the Meiji era. He was a student and adopted son of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, and also studied with Ogata Gekkō. Although Kōgyo sometimes painted other subjects, for most of his career he made pictures of Japanese Noh theatre.
His style was characterized by bold lines, vibrant colors, and intricate details. This is the only print by Kogyo that uses quite unusual composition. He has put a border around this depiction and placed it over a framed painting of a wandering priest (a reference to Tamakazura's youth in the provinces), signing the half-hidden painting with one of his earlier art names, Kohan.
Kogyo's prints were highly popular during his lifetime and continue to be admired for their technical skill and storytelling abilities.
The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique during the artist's lifetime.
The print is not framed.
AUTHOR: Tsukioka Kogyo
TITLE: "Tamakazura"
SERIES: “Pictures of Noh Performances (Nogaku Zue)”
CREATED: 1899
PAPER: washi paper
METHOD OF PRINTING: Woodblock printing
PRINTED: Lifetime printing circa 1899-1900
PRINT SIZE: 14" X 9.75"
Condition: Good condition, nice colors, strong impression, minor tears at the edges. Light staining. See the pictures for the details.
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