Purchase a copy of The Auspicious Noh Dance "Okina"

Artwork Description

Three dancers perform movements from the ritualized dance called Okina, literally, “Old Man,” or Sanbasō. Performed before the formal program of Noh plays begins, it is a dance without narrative content that is reserved for special occasions such as New Year’s festivities, prayers for prosperity of the nation, and ceremonies to purify the site of a Shinto shrine.On the right is the protagonist Okina, wearing the white mask of an old man and donning an over-robe (kariginu) decorated with a tortoiseshell pattern, a symbol of longevity. The cranes and tortoises that adorn the costumes of the two other dancers are also emblems of longevity. The black mask and the bells held by the dancer on the center scroll identify him as Sanbasō, “the third old man.” On the left is Okina’s young male companion, Senzai, meaning “a thousand years of age.” The artist Toriyama Sekien was trained in the Kano school, but he also created designs for woodblock prints and book illustrations and was the teacher of the celebrated ukiyo-e artist Kitagawa Utamaro (1753–1806).

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

Toriyama Sekien: A Pioneer of Yōkai Illustration and Ukiyo-e Innovation

Name: Toriyama Sekien (also known as Sano Toyofusa)
Born: 1712, Tokyo, Japan
Died: 1788
Origin: ArtsDot

Early Life and Artistic Training

Sekien was born into a family of high-ranking servants to the Tokugawa Shogunate, affording him access to elite artistic training.
He received instruction from prominent artists of the Kanō school, Kanō Gyokuen and Kanō Chikanobu. While not formally recognized as a member of the Kanō school, this rigorous training significantly shaped his artistic foundation.
His early work demonstrates a clear influence from the Kanō style, characterized by its emphasis on traditional Japanese techniques and formal composition. However, Sekien would later diverge to forge his own unique path.

Contributions to Ukiyo-e and the World of Yōkai

Sekien is celebrated for being among the first artists to apply Kanō school techniques to ukiyo-e printmaking. This was a revolutionary step, bringing greater sophistication and detail to the genre.
He invented fuki-bokashi, an innovative method allowing for the replication of subtle color gradations in prints. This technique significantly enhanced the visual complexity and nuance achievable in ukiyo-e.
His most significant contribution lies in his illustrated books of yōkai (supernatural creatures from Japanese mythology). These works, such as "Tokaido Yotsuya Kaiki" and "Eliminations of Demons," popularized depictions of yōkai like tanuki and tengu, shaping their image in popular culture.
As a teacher, Sekien mentored influential artists including Kitagawa Utamaro and Utagawa Toyoharu, whose works reflect his influence.

Major Works and Artistic Development

Tokaido Yotsuya Kaiki: A collection of illustrations depicting various yōkai encountered along the Tokaido highway. This work is considered a cornerstone of Japanese folklore illustration.
Eliminations of Demons (Konpaku Zatsuwa): Another significant series showcasing Sekien's imaginative depictions of supernatural beings, often accompanied by explanatory text.
His artistic development involved moving beyond the strict formalism of the Kanō school to embrace a more dynamic and expressive style suitable for ukiyo-e and the depiction of fantastical subjects. He experimented with color palettes and composition to create visually striking and memorable images.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Sekien’s work played a crucial role in shaping the public perception of yōkai, solidifying their place in Japanese folklore and popular imagination. His illustrations became iconic representations of these creatures.
His innovative printmaking techniques, particularly fuki-bokashi, significantly advanced the capabilities of ukiyo-e art, influencing subsequent generations of artists.
Sekien’s legacy extends to contemporary artists like Kawanabe Kyōsai and Mizuki Shigeru, who continue to draw inspiration from his work. He is recognized as a pivotal figure in the history of Japanese art, bridging traditional techniques with innovative approaches and contributing significantly to both ukiyo-e and folklore illustration.

Toriyama Sekien

1712 - 1788 , Japan

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Ukiyo-e, Kanō school
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Kitagawa Utamaro
- Utagawa Toyoharu
- Kawanabe Kyōsai
- Mizuki Shigeru
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Kanō Gyokuen
- Kanō Chikanobu
Date Of Birth: 1712
Date Of Death: 1788
Full Name: Toriyama Sekien
Nationality: Japanese
Notable Artworks: ['The Auspicious Noh Dance "Okina"']
Place Of Birth: Tokyo, Japan

Toriyama Sekien: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.

Popular

The Auspicious Noh Dance "Okina"

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $30

H24-SILVER $30

H36-GOLD $45

H36-SILVER $45

Framed

Reproduction Size

Artwork Customization

Artist Skill Level

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Protective Varnish

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 263

Summary

Reproduction Medium

-

Elite Senior Artist

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Customize My Artwork

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price