Original Tsukioka Kogyo (1869 - 1927) Japanese Woodblock Print
circa 1897 - 1902
Special Series: Kogyo's Vertical Noh Prints

Kogyo and the Noh Theater - Kogyo was born in Tokyo in 1869 and spent his life in the capital. His mother married the famous ukiyo-e printmaker Yoshitoshi and it was under Yoshitoshi’s influence that he became interested in the woodblock print making and the Noh Theater. The Noh Theater in Japan is a more cultured theater style than the kabuki. Yoshitoshi was a fan of the Noh Theater and through this connection, and chance, Kogyo began to design Noh Theater prints. His design style was perfect for the Noh theater with its spare stage designs and lavish costume. Kogyo's prints feature the participants in their beautiful costumes set against a natural off white background.

Kogyo's prints are a nice opportunity to collect original Japanese woodblocks at reasonable prices. These prints are over 100 years old. Their spare, almost Zen design, is quintessentially Japanese. They make great antique Japanese accents in a room or nice pieces to add to a collection.

Kogyo's Vertical Noh Prints - This fantastic Kogyo print is from a very rare series of his vertical Noh images. The vertical prints are unique in their composition, use of color, and expressive portraiture, and are a great favorite of collectors. It is often said that the great Noh print master Kogyo reached the pinnacle of his career with these wonderful, vertical Noh designs. Note the excellent detail, beautiful, rich colors and masterful compositions of this wonderful group. Either collected individually or in sets, these Kogyo prints offer the collector an opportunity to add unique Noh prints to a collection or display wonderful original prints on the wall.

This exceptional, rare series - In this beautiful series Kogyo departed from his normally plain white backgrounds and designed a group of prints with beautiful colored backgrounds and richly colored, dynamic figures. With excellent detail and the highest printing standard, these designs are exceptional in his career. Note also; many of the prints have prominent woodgrain in the background, a lovely detail and sign of an early printing.

Artist - Kogyo Tsukioka, with red artist seal
Image size - 10 1/4" x 15"
Condition - Excellent color and detail. Nice full sheet, not trimmed. No holes, tears or other damage to report. In excellent condition overall.