About This Print

One of 200 prints issued as part of the series Nōga taikan (Encyclopedia of Noh Plays) depicting a scene from the play Kasuga Ryūjin attributed to Komparu Zenchiku (1405-c. 1470), son-in-law of Zeami Motokiyo (c.1363–c.1443.)

The Play - Kasuga Ryūjin

Source: A Guide to No, P.G. O'Neill, Hinoki Shoten, 1929, p. 74-75.

Wishing to make a journey to China and India, Myōe Shōnin goes to take leave of the god Kasuga Myōjin.  But an old man appears and says that Myōe is not to go abroad as the followers of Buddha can now find all that is necessary here in Japan.  He then reveals that he is a messenger sent by the god to tell of his decision, and disappears.  Later, a golden light falls all around and a dragon-god descends.  He tells of the many Buddhist gods to be found at Kasuga and then has Myōe swear to give up all idea of traveling abroad.

Print Details

IHL Catalog	#595
Title	Kasuga Ryūjin 春日龍神 (The Kasuga Dragon God)
Series	Nōga taikan 能画大鑑 (Encyclopedia of Noh Plays or A Great Mirror of Noh Pictures or A Great Collection of Noh Pictures)
Artist	Tsukioka Kōgyo (1869-1927)
Signature	Kōgyo
Seal	Kōgyo seal
Date	1925-1930
Edition	unknown
Publisher	Seibi Shoten (or Seibi Shoin), Tokyo
Carver	Uchida Eikichi
Printer	Yoshida Takesaburō
Impression	excellent
Colors	excellent
Condition	good - minor wrinkling; several spots of foxing
Genre	ukiyo-e
Miscellaneous
Format	oban yoko-e
H x W Paper	9 3/4 x 14 1/2 in. (24.8 x 36.8 cm)
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