Matsukaze, from the series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)" 1898

Tsukioka Kōgyo created this woodblock print, titled "Matsukaze," as part of his series "Pictures of No Performances" during the Meiji period in Japan. Kōgyo's series captured scenes from Noh theater, a highly stylized form of Japanese drama that blends music, dance, and poetry. This print depicts a moment from the Noh play "Matsukaze," based on the story of two salt-maid sisters who fall in love with a courtier-in-exile. The composition and the figures' costumes indicate that it draws on visual codes that would have been immediately recognizable to Japanese audiences of the time. The pine tree, the figures' ghostly appearance, and their placement within a spare landscape contribute to the drama’s themes of longing and impermanence. By focusing on Noh theater, Kōgyo places his work within a rich history of Japanese cultural expression. To fully understand the meaning of this print, it is essential to know more about the history of Noh theater and the Meiji period. Researching the social and artistic trends of the time will help us appreciate Kōgyo's role in preserving and celebrating this important aspect of Japanese culture.