Scene from the No Play Yuya 1923

Tsukioka Kôgyo’s “Scene from the No Play Yuya” is a woodblock print which invites us into a world of subtle gestures and poised stillness. The evenness of the print emphasizes the line work and the composition’s strong verticals and horizontals. I love the way the graphic quality of the lines creates a feeling of tension, especially in the rickshaw structure. The eye is drawn to the delicate details of the woman’s kimono, patterned with its organic floral forms. The muted palette contributes to a feeling of contemplative calm. The color is so subtle and restrained. The composition reminds me a little of the work of Edgar Degas, particularly in his prints of women bathing where poses are naturalistic and intimate. Both artists share an interest in portraying the quiet moments of everyday life, transformed through the touch of art. Rather than offering a singular viewpoint, Kôgyo’s print gives space for multiple interpretations, encouraging us to pause and reflect on the beauty of fleeting moments.