Tsukioka Kōgyo (Japanese, 1869-1927) - Nohga Zue: Tadanori, Woodblock Print, c. 1897-1902

Name: Tsukioka Kōgyo (Japanese, 1869-1927) - Nohga Zue: Tadanori, Woodblock Print, c. 1897-1902
Brand: ewon1
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Japanese woodblock print by Tsukioka Kogyo depicting a Noh actor in a blue butterfly kimono from the play Tadanori. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$250 - $600

Rarity

Uncommon(5/10)

TSUKIOKA KŌGYO (JAPANESE, 1869-1927) - NOHGA ZUE: TADANORI, WOODBLOCK PRINT, C. 1897-1902: IDENTIFICATION

A Japanese polychrome woodblock print (nishiki-e) depicting a scene from the Noh play 'Tadanori'. The print features a Noh performer in character as the ghost of Taira no Tadanori, dressed in a voluminous blue kimono adorned with butterfly motifs and carrying a flute (fue) tucked into his belt. To the left, a poetic plum blossom branch is rendered in wash-like grey tones with white pigment highlights. The upper margin bears the series title 'Nōga Zue' (Pictures of Noh Plays), and the specific play title 'Tadanori' is visible in the right-hand text block alongside the artist's signature 'Kōgyo' and a red artist seal at the lower right.

Compare with other prints in the archive: Abstract Mixed Media Print ('Monoprint'), Abstract Chromatic Lithograph by A. Vrede, Luigi Leisner (1889-1970) - 'Fidelio', Etching of the Vienna State Opera, c. 1920-1940.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Edo/Meiji Japan1868-1912

The transition from Ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world) to the more refined, academically focused theater prints of the late 19th century.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Noh theater performance, specifically the 'shura-mono' or warrior-ghost play category.

Meaning Through Time

Meiji Period

Traditional theater evolved from popular entertainment into a symbol of high-status national heritage under Emperor Meiji.

PRINT LINEAGE

This work belongs to the ambitious series 'Nōga Zue', published by Matsuki Heikichi between 1897 and 1902, capturing nearly 250 different Noh plays. Tsukioka Kōgyo, a student of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and Ogata Gekkō, dedicated his career to documented the refinement of Noh theater during the Meiji period, a time when traditional arts were being revitalized to project Japanese cultural identity. Tadanori, the subject here, was a famous poet and warrior who died during the Genpai War in 1184; the play dramatizes his spirit's return to Earth to find peace through his poetry.

SCARCITY

Uncommon70-80%

CommonLegendary

Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.

Rarity 5/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 10 prints items at rarity 5 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Limited production
Named makers
Growing collector demand

Confidence Factors

Signature and seal are consistent with known Kōgyo woodblocks from the Nōga Zue series
Paper quality and visible ink penetration from the woodblocks align with Meiji-era production
Specific Noh play text and series headers match documented catalog examples

How does authenticity detection work?

PRINT SPECIALIST'S TAKE

Museum-Trained Art Historian

Connoisseur

Identification is highly certain due to the clear presence of Kōgyo's signature, series title, and known stylistic traits of the Nōga Zue woodblocks. The condition is the primary variable.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Artist signature 'Kōgyo' and red seal accurately placed at lower right.
2Series title 'Nōga Zue' printed in the upper center margin.
3Polychrome printing includes characteristic Meiji dyes like Prussian blue and deep umber.
4Text block on the right identifies the play as 'Tadanori', a standard entry in the series.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Visible foxing (acidic moisture spots) in the background necessitates professional deacidification.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Examine the paper reverse for archival hinges or glue residue that may affect value.
→Inspect under magnification to confirm the grainy texture of woodblock ink versus modern photographic reproduction.
→Consult a paper conservator regarding the removal of foxing spots in the upper margin.

CONDITION & GRADE

Good

Grading breakdown

The print maintains strong registration and color, but value is affected by visible foxing in the sky area and minor mat burn along the edges.

Condition

Moderate foxing (brown spotting) is visible in the upper background area above the figure's head. The paper shows slight toning consistent with 120-plus years of age, though the primary pigments including the deep Prussian blue remains saturated.

PRINT MARKET VALUATION

$250 - $600

Updated: May 10, 2026

Who buys this

Collectors of Meiji-era woodblocks, Noh theater enthusiasts, and Japanese art specialists.

What increases value

•Vibrancy of the blue pigments
•Correct identification of the specific Noh play
•Association with the prestigious Nōga Zue series

What lowers value

•Foxing and staining in the negative space
•Potential trimming of the original margins

What makes top-tier examples

•Usage of metallic pigments or mica
•Perfect registration of the woodblocks
•Provenance from an early 20th-century collection

Grade & condition

Paper integrity, foxing presence, color saturation, and margin width.

Rarity & demand

UncommonModerate demandModerate liquidity

Browse similar prints objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

ewon1

Wonderseeker•5 items

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