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

"Karafune" is a woodblock print by Tsukioka Kôgyo from his series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)" created in 1898. The print depicts a scene from a Noh play, a form of traditional Japanese musical drama. In this scene, actors dressed in elaborate costumes, sit on a stage, likely in a boat, while another actor sits on the ground below. Kôgyo's style is influenced by ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that depicts everyday life, and by the aesthetics of the Noh theater. He is known for his richly detailed compositions and dramatic use of color. This print is a beautiful example of Kôgyo's artistry and captures the essence of the Noh theatre.