Noh Play “Umegae” (梅枝) - Tsukioka Kōgyo 月岡耕漁 - Japan (No reserve price)

The Noh play "Umegae" (梅枝), depicted by Tsukioka Kōgyo, is part of Japan's classical theater tradition known for its stylized performance and rich symbolism. Noh plays combine elements of dance, drama, music, and poetry, often drawing on themes from literature, history, and mythology. Tsukioka Kōgyo (1869–1927) was a master ukiyo-e artist renowned for his prints illustrating Noh scenes, capturing the subtle gestures, masks, and costumes intrinsic to this refined art form. "Umegae" centers around legend and spirituality tied to plum blossoms, a symbol of perseverance and renewal in Japanese culture. Such artworks not only preserve theatrical heritage but also serve as cultural artifacts illustrating the aesthetic and narrative complexity of Noh.