Scenes from Kyōgen Theater [right of a pair] by Fukushima Chikaharu

Scenes from Kyōgen Theater [right of a pair] c. mid 19th century

pasteup

muted colour palette

graffiti art

street art

japan

folk art

mural art

paste-up

spray can art

urban art

watercolor

This six-panel screen, painted by Fukushima Chikaharu in the mid-19th century, depicts scenes from Kyōgen theater. The vibrant colors and dynamic poses of the actors capture the energy and humor of this traditional Japanese comedic performance. The screen is a testament to Chikaharu's skill as a painter and a keen observer of human nature, highlighting the dramatic interplay between characters. The inclusion of a pine tree in the background adds a touch of natural beauty and provides a stark contrast to the bustling world of the stage. This artwork is a valuable insight into the world of Japanese theater, showcasing the unique and enduring appeal of Kyōgen.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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In this pair of screens, Kyōgen actors perform two comic plays. The left screen depicts a scene from Fuku no kami (“God of Good Luck”) during which the god, shown in red at the left, descends to earth for a night of frolicking at New Year's. The right screen portrays a scene from the skit Suehirogari (“The Fan of Felicity”), in which the young country bumpkin and servant Tarō-kaja, shown at the left, holds the umbrella he has been tricked into buying instead of the fan his master requested. The four men in a row provide the musical accompaniment of drums.