Acteurs in het Noh theaterstuk Kokaji by Tsukioka Kôgyo

Acteurs in het Noh theaterstuk Kokaji 1925

0:00
0:00

Dimensions: height 376 mm, width 258 mm

Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain

Editor: This woodblock print by Tsukioka Kogyo, from 1925, is titled "Actors in the Noh theater piece Kokaji." It shows a figure in elaborate robes with two swords, and the subdued color palette gives it a solemn feeling. What's particularly striking about this image for you? Curator: What catches my eye is the deliberate construction of cultural identity presented here. The artist is drawing upon a tradition – Noh theatre – deeply embedded in Japanese society. The choice of Kokaji is not accidental; it's a play about a swordsmith who, with divine help, forges a sacred blade. Editor: So, it's referencing something specific. Curator: Precisely. Kogyo isn't simply depicting a scene; he’s invoking the associated values – skill, dedication, and the role of the divine in craftsmanship. How do you think this print, produced in the 1920s, would have been received? Editor: Maybe as a reminder of those traditional values, at a time of modernization and Western influence? Curator: Exactly. Think about the social context. This work reflects a deliberate attempt to preserve and promote traditional Japanese identity. The figure, elevated on a red platform, isn't just an actor; he embodies the ideals the play represents. The print format also made it accessible, furthering its reach. Editor: That makes so much sense! I was just looking at a portrait, but you helped me see all these layers of cultural meaning, of history being actively kept alive. Curator: It’s about seeing how art serves as a cultural anchor, shaping and reflecting societal values. I learned new ways to consider performance and its significance for the print.

Show more

Comments

No comments

Be the first to comment and join the conversation on the ultimate creative platform.