The Drama of Japanese Prints

This exhibition features woodblock prints by Tsukioka Kōgyo (1869–1927), from the private collections of Dr. David Weinberg and Dr. Sheldon Siegel. Each work depicts scenes and characters from Japanese Noh theatre, which combines acting, singing, dancing, and elaborate costuming to tell stories of romance, revenge, adventure, and salvation. Noh theatre is a traditional aristocratic form of Japanese performing arts, is considered more refined than the popular Kabuki theatre. The stage decorations are sparse, drawing the audience’s attention to the actors in their lavish, colorful costumes.

Image: Tsukioka Kōgyo, Japanese, 1869–1927. Kinatsu, 1923, Woodblock print, 14 7/8 × 10 1/16 inches. Collection of David R. Weinberg