Noh Dancer as Empress Jingû with a Trout
Yamawaki Tōki
Description
Yamawaki To ̄ki
Japan, 1777–1839
Noh Dancer as Empress Jing with a Trout
Edo period (1615–1867)
1831
Hanging scroll, ink and color on silk
Museum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection
Fund, 1983/1.397
The mythological third-century Empress Jingu-
appears frequently
in Japanese drama, paintings, and prints. Known as a warrior and
a shaman, she was thought to have consulted with the gods to
ensure a victorious invasion of Korea. According to legend, when
she caught a river trout it was the first sign of divine approval
for her conquest. This painting depicts this fishing scene as it
was reenacted in Noh theater, a classical, highly stylized Japanese
dance-drama in which adult male performers play the roles of
men, women, and youths, changing their appearance with masks.
This image highlights the actors’ spectacular costumes. A brocade
kimono with a floral scroll design is tucked into a stiffly starched
pair of brocade trousers, along with a cloak of green gauze silk
with woven gold phoenix designs. The costume is not historically
accurate, but instead reflects the stage wear of the era when this
image was produced.
Subject Matter:
Empress Jingû is a figure from Japan’s mythological past. Warrior and shaman, her legend reappears frequently in Japanese drama, paintings, and prints. Before leading her troops on an invasion of the "Land of Treasure" (Korea), she conducted many rites to consult the gods about prospects for victory. The catch of a river trout was the first token of divine approval.
This painting depicts the fishing scene as it was reenacted in the Noh drama, the classical and highly stylized dance-drama of Japan. Male performers play both genders, usually with a mask. Costumes for the Noh stage are among the most spectacular ever made: here the actor wears a brocade kimono with a floral scroll design, tucked into a stiffly starched pair of brocade trousers. His cloak is a green gauze silk with woven gold phoenix designs. The costume has no relation to ancient history, but instead reflects contemporary stage wear.
Physical Description:
An masked Noh actor dressed as Empress Jingû is holds a catch of a river trout on a pole. The actor wears a brocade kimono with a floral scroll design, tucked into a stiffly starched pair of brocade trousers. His cloak is a green gauze silk with woven gold phoenix designs.
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