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

"Kumasaka" is a woodblock print from the series "Pictures of No Performances" by Tsukioka Kôgyo, a prominent Japanese artist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Created in 1898, the artwork depicts a character from Noh theater, a traditional Japanese form of musical drama. The detailed and elegant depiction of the character's costume and the use of soft, evocative colors are characteristic of Kôgyo's style. This print, housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tradition of Japanese theater and the artistry of a leading printmaker of his time.