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

"Sansho" is a woodblock print by Tsukioka Kôgyo from his series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)" created in 1898. This print depicts three figures, Sansho and two other characters from the Noh play "Sansho Dayu," seated on a stage, likely performing an excerpt from the play. The play tells the story of a young boy, Sansho, who is separated from his family and sold into slavery. The artist's signature and a red seal are visible at the bottom right. This detailed print, a combination of vibrant colors and fine lines, is a prime example of the late 19th-century revival of the Japanese woodblock printing style.