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

"Hashi Benkei" is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Tsukioka Kôgyo, created in 1898 as part of the series "Pictures of No Performances". The print depicts the legendary warrior monk Benkei, a character from the Noh play "Hashi Benkei." The work showcases Kôgyo’s ability to capture the dynamic movement and dramatic expression of the Noh theater through the medium of woodblock printing. This print, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is an excellent example of Japanese art and its connection to traditional performance arts.