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

"Masataka," from Tsukioka Kôgyo's series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)," depicts a scene from a Noh play. This woodblock print, created in 1898, showcases Kôgyo's mastery of detail and dynamic composition. The figures are rendered in bold lines and vibrant colors, conveying the drama and theatricality of the Noh performance. The print captures a key moment in the play, focusing on the interaction between the actors, their costumes, and the stage props. The dramatic use of color and light adds depth and emotion to the scene, transporting the viewer into the world of Noh theater.