Fifty Nō Plays, Illustrated (Yōkyoku gojÅ«-ban), 8th of 10 Volumes c. 17th century

Curator: This is the eighth volume from "Fifty Nō Plays, Illustrated (Yōkyoku gojÅ«-ban)," signed by Tosa Mitsuoki. Its dimensions are about 34 by 25 centimeters. Editor: I’m immediately struck by the delicate floral motifs—they evoke a sense of transience, like fleeting moments in a dream. Curator: It’s fascinating how the artist employs these subtle patterns. The texture of the paper itself becomes a crucial element, almost a canvas for the ephemeral nature of Noh theatre. Editor: Absolutely! The script in the upper part of the cover acts almost like a symbolic key—unlocking layers of meaning related to the performance traditions. Curator: And when we think of the labor involved in producing not just one, but ten of these volumes, it really changes how we see the relationship between art and craft. Editor: It is truly a beautiful, enigmatic object, imbued with historical depth. Curator: A testament to the enduring power of material culture.