About This Print

One of 200 prints issued as part of the series Nōga taikan (Encyclopedia of Noh Plays), it depicts the shite Kozawa, in the play Mochizuki sometimes attributed to the playwright Sa-ami (15th c.), dancing the lion dance on the bridge leading to the stage.

For another depiction of this play by Kōgyo see Nokaguzue, Mochizuki.

The Play - Mochizuki 望月

Source: A Guide to No, P.G. O'Neill, Hinoki Shoten, 1929, p.114.

Since his master Yasuda no Tomoharu was treacherously killed by Mochizuki in Shinano thirteen years ago, Kozawa has been keeping an inn in another province.  After wandering from place to place for fear of Mochizuki, Yasuda's widow and child eventually meet Kozawa again and thankfully remain under his protection.  One night Mochizuki happens to stay at Kozawa's inn on his way back from the capital where he has at last been cleared of any responsibility for Yasuda's death and obtained the rights to his victim's lands.  Kozawa and the mother and child take advantage of his visit and the fact that he does not know who they are, and plan to have their revenge.  They first entertain him with songs and dances and then, when his senses are dulled by drink, Kozawa and dead man's son kill him.

Print Details

IHL Catalog	#139
Title	Mochizuki 望月
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	耕漁 Kōgyo
Seal	耕漁 Kōgyo
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 and soiling; slightly trimmed; not backed
Genre	ukiyo-e
Miscellaneous
Format	oban yoko-e
H x W Paper	10 x 14 in. (25.4 x 35.6 cm)
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