Tsukioka Kōgyo | The Votive Tablets

Artist: Tsukioka Kōgyo (1869-1927), 月岡 耕漁 Title: Votive Tablets (Ema, 絵馬)
Print Series: Large Noh Coin Mirror (Nōgaku Taikan, 能楽大観)
Technique: nishiki-e, woodblock print, hand-gilded highlights
Materials: ink, colors, and gold on paper
Size: ōban yoko-e (25.4 × 36.8 cm)
Condition: very good, although there are some small stains related to the aging of the paper
Date: 1925-1930
Reference: AB2025002

The Meeting of Sun and Rain

This print is an original edition from the renowned Great Mirror of Noh Plays (Nōgaku Taikan, 能楽大観), drawn by Kōgyo Tsukioka and published in Tokyo between 1925 and 1930. This collection, dedicated to the illustrious Noh theater, was produced using the woodblock printing technique and enhanced with hand-applied gold accents, making each piece unique.
The drama depicted, The Votive Tablets (Ema, 絵馬), belongs to the first category of Noh theater repertoire, which features plays dedicated to the gods (waki nō, 神能) and portrays Shinto deities. The scene unfolds at one of Japan’s most sacred sites, the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingū, 伊勢神宮), which consists of two main shrines: the Kōtai Jingū (Naikū, 内宮), dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess and mythical ancestor of the imperial family, and the Toyouke Daijingū (Gekū, 外宮), devoted to Toyouke, the deity of grains and harvests.
Two deities (kami), in human form, present the shrine with votive tablets adorned with images of horses—one white, the other black. These horses symbolize fundamental elements of nature’s cycle: the sun and the rain, both essential for seasonal balance and agricultural prosperity.
In this mysterious and poetic scene, the deities discuss the importance of this equilibrium before resuming their divine forms. They then perform a ritual dance, illustrating the harmony between these opposing yet complementary forces, a central theme in Noh theater.

A Work of Distinction

In ōban yoko-e format (25.4 × 36.8 cm), this print is distinguished by its exceptional finesse. In the background, a majestic pine tree, a symbol of longevity and spirituality, stands gracefully, rendered with the delicate bokashi shading technique.
The hand-applied gold highlights on the costumes and accessories lend a changing luminosity, enhancing each detail depending on the angle of observation.
This print is in excellent condition, with only a few minor signs of aging that do not diminish its exquisite craftsmanship. Since each copy was individually embellished, subtle variations make every print a unique work of art.is collection, dedicated to the illustrious Nō theater, was reproduced using the woodcut technique, then enhanced by hand with touches of gold, making it a unique copy. The drama performed, The Votive Tablets (Ema, 絵馬), belongs to the first category of the Nō theater repertoire, that of plays dedicated to the gods (waki nō, 神能), featuring Shinto deities. The action takes place in one of the most sacred places in Japan, the Ise Shrine (Ise Jingū, 伊勢神宮), which includes two main sanctuaries: the Kōtai-jingū (Naikū, 内宮), dedicated to Amaterasu, goddess of the sun and mythical ancestor of the imperial family, and the Toyouke Daijingū (Gekū, 外宮), dedicated to Toyouke, deity of cereals and harvests. Two deities (kami), in human form, offer the temple two votive tablets decorated with images of horses: one white, the other black. They symbolize respectively fundamental elements of the cycle of nature, the sun and the rain, necessary for the balance of the seasons and the prosperity of the harvests. In this scene imbued with mystery, the deities discuss the importance of this balance before returning to their divine forms. They then perform a ritual dance, illustrating the harmony between these opposing but complementary forces, an essential theme of Noh theater. An exceptional work In ōban yoko-e format (25.4 × 36.8 cm), this print is distinguished by its great finesse. In the background, a majestic pine tree, a symbol of longevity and spirituality, stands thanks to the delicate bokashi technique. Hand-applied gold highlights on the costumes and accessories give the image a changing luminosity, sublimating each detail depending on the angle of observation. The state of conservation of this print is excellent, with a few rare traces of time that in no way alter the finesse of its execution. Each copy being enhanced by hand, subtle variations make each print a unique work.