Quiver Monkey - Kyogen Performance - Yamaguchi Ryōshū (1886–1966) - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

Japanese Woodblock Print (Reprint) - Yamaguchi Ryōshū (1886–1966) - Quiver Monkey - Kyogen Performance - Japan - 1930

Dimensions: 38 cm x 26 cm

Condition and state of the print:
The print is in good condition and has bright, clear colors. The paper is firm and still feels solid.

About the print:
This print comes from the series Kyōgen-ga Taikan and depicts a scene from the traditional Japanese Kyōgen play Utsubozaru (The Arrow-Shooter Monkey).

A lord goes hunting together with his servant Tarō-kaja. Along the way they meet a monkey trainer with his trained monkey. Because arrow quivers decorated with monkey fur were fashionable at the time, the lord demands that the trainer hand over his monkey. The trainer initially refuses, but when the lord threatens him with his bow and arrows, he feels compelled to part with his beloved animal.

Overwhelmed by the prospect of losing his monkey, the trainer begins to sing a farewell song, crying. The monkey does not understand what is happening and starts dancing innocently. The lord is deeply moved by this poignant scene and ultimately decides to spare the monkey's life.

The artist:
Yamaguchi Ryōshū (1886–1966) was a Japanese artist who devoted his life to traditional Japanese performing arts. Besides his work as a theater actor, he created refined woodblock prints in which he captured scenes, characters, and costumes from Nō and Kyōgen theater.

Nō is a classical Japanese theatrical form known for its stylized movements, masks, and poetic performances. Kyōgen is a traditional comic theater form often performed as a light counterpoint to Nō performances.

Thanks to his deep knowledge of these theatrical traditions, Ryōshū was able to capture on paper the characteristic attitudes, expressive costumes, and distinctive atmosphere of the Japanese stage. His work constitutes a valuable artistic document of these ancient Japanese performing arts.

Shipping:
The woodblock print is carefully and securely packaged to protect it well during transit. The print will be shipped with registered mail and provided with a Track & Trace code, so the shipment can be tracked throughout the entire journey.