Japanese Print By Tsukioka Kōgyo | The Blacksmith

Artist: Kōgyo Tsukioka (1869-1927), 月岡 耕漁
Title: The Swordsmith (Kokaji, 小鍛冶)
Print Series: Great Mirror of Nō Plays (Nōgaku Taikan, 能楽大観)
Technique: nishiki-e, woodblock print, hand-applied silver highlights
Materials: ink, colors, and metallic pigments on paper
Format: ōban yoko-e (25.4 × 36.8 cm)
Condition: very good, with only minor aging spots on the paper
Date: 1930-1935
Reference: AB202503

The Legend of a Sacred Sword

This original print is part of the renowned Nōgaku Taikan series by Tsukioka Kōgyo, published in Tokyo between 1925 and 1930. Dedicated to the depiction of Nō theater plays, this collection provides a valuable visual record of this ancient art form.
The play represented, Kokaji, is inspired by an old legend. The story begins when a deity appears in the emperor’s dream, demanding the forging of a sacred sword. The emperor orders the swordsmith Munechika to craft it. In deep despair, Munechika visits a shrine to pray for divine assistance. A mysterious young boy offers to help him—he is, in fact, a manifestation of the god Inari, who has descended to aid the swordsmith. Together, they forge the blade in a scene imbued with spirituality and profound symbolic meaning.
The tale of Kokaji highlights several themes central to Nō theater: the connection between humans and deities, the transmission of knowledge, and the sacred significance of traditional Japanese arts.

An Exceptional Artwork

This refined print beautifully showcases Kōgyo’s technical mastery. The image is printed in rich colors, further enhanced by hand-applied layers of pigments that capture the light.
The print is in very good condition, with only slight traces of aging that do not detract from the delicacy of its execution.