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

Tsukioka Kôgyo made the woodblock print, “Sadaiye, from the series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)", sometime between 1869 and 1927. It captures a scene from Japanese Noh theatre, a highly stylized performance art that blends dance, drama, music, and poetry. At first glance, it seems to depict a woman on a swing. However, the figure is portraying a male character, Sadaiye, cross-dressing. This convention was common in Noh theatre, where male actors often played female roles, challenging traditional gender norms. The male gaze is implicit in the expressions of the chorus as they watch Sadaiye, and are, in effect, watching a man play a woman. Kôgyo's series, "Pictures of No Performances," was created during the Meiji era, a time of rapid modernization and Westernization in Japan. The artist aimed to preserve and promote traditional Japanese arts like Noh theatre, which were at risk of being overshadowed by Western influences. He captures the emotional intensity of Noh performances and invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of gender, identity, and tradition in a rapidly changing world.