Artwork

Playing the Koyo, A Lady from Nagoya of the Kōka Era (1844-48), from the series Thirty-six Elegant Selections

Playing the Koyo, A Lady from Nagoya of the Kōka Era (1844-48), from the series Thirty-six Elegant Selections is a print by the Impressionist artist Mizuno Toshikata. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Playing the Koyo depicts a woman from Nagoya during the Kōka Era (1844-1848) playing a traditional Japanese koyo instrument.

About this work

Overview

Playing the Koyo depicts a woman from Nagoya during the Kōka Era (1844-1848) playing a traditional Japanese koyo instrument. This print is part of Mizuno Toshikata's series Thirty-six Elegant Selections, which predominantly features women from the Edo period (1615-1868), making this piece an exception in the collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a lady from Nagoya, highlights a specific historical and geographical context. The choice of the Kōka Era, preceding the Meiji period, may suggest a nostalgic or reflective portrayal of pre-modern Japan. The koyo instrument adds a layer of cultural specificity.

Technique & Style

While specific technical details of this print are not provided, as a work by Mizuno Toshikata, it likely reflects the artistic lineage of his mentor, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, blending historical interest with traditional Japanese printmaking techniques.

History & Provenance

Originally part of the Thirty-six Elegant Selections series, this print's history beyond its creation is not detailed here. It is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, where it can be studied in the context of Japanese art and history.

Context

Notably differing from the Edo period setting of most prints in the series, Playing the Koyo offers a glimpse into Mizuno Toshikata's broader historical interests. The Kōka Era setting may have appealed to contemporary audiences' nostalgia for recent pre-Meiji times.

Legacy

As part of a larger series and the oeuvre of Mizuno Toshikata, this print contributes to the preservation of historical and cultural narratives through Japanese printmaking. Its legacy is intertwined with the overall appreciation of ukiyo-e and late 19th-century Japanese art.