작품 상세

Antique original Japanese woodblock print by Tsukioka Kogyo (1869-1927) titled Tadatsune, from the series One Hundred Nōh Plays (Nōgaku Hyakuban). This piece is an original from the Taishō period, 1922-26. The print shows characters from the Noh play “Tadatsune”, one of the classic warrior plays (shura-mono). These plays depict the ghosts of fallen warriors seeking peace. The main figure in front is Taira no Tadanori, also known as Taira no Tadatsune in certain Noh variants. He is a courtly warrior of the Taira clan that is famous for his poetry. He was killed at the Battle of Ichinotani in 1184. The richly patterned robes and formal eboshi cap reflect his status as an aristocratic warrior. The seated figure (behind) is a monk or spirit figure who represents either a priest listening to the ghost’s tale, or a ghostly retainer, depending on the staging. The contrast between the brightly dressed warrior and the pale, ethereal figure behind him is intentional, it symbolizes the divide between the living and the spirit world. This scene is characteristic of Noh’s ghost warrior dramas, which are some of Kōgyo’s most dynamic works. This piece is matted and framed under acrylic in a faux, bamboo frame. With frame, it measures 17 inches x 19 inches. This was acquired from a Metro Washington DC estate.