Vibrance and Serenity

Art of Japanese Nō Traditional Theatre

This installation introduces the history and performance of *Nō *theater using selected prints by TSUKIOKA Kōgyo (1869-1927) recently donated to the museum by Elizabeth Moyer and Michael Powanda. Established in the fourteenth century, *Nō *(sometimes spelled *Noh*) is one of Japan’s oldest and most revered theatrical forms. Taking place on a small square stage with minimal props, it is widely acknowledged, both nationally and internationally, as the epitome of Japanese simplicity and refinement. Kōgyo's prints not only encapsulate the elegance of *Nō* performance, the beauty of its costumes, and the serenity of its masks, but also the vibrancy and dynamism of *Nō *drama. The installation also includes examples of other types of Japanese art, including paintings, prints, calligraphy, books, ceramics, lacquer, textiles, armor, dolls, and decorative objects. Co-curated by UO History of Art and Architecture Associate Professor Akiko Walley and JSMA chief curator Anne Rose Kitagawa.