Dance of Shimazu

The Dance of Shimazu — possibly referring to the distinctive performing arts tradition associated with the Shimazu clan of southern Kyushu, or to a specific folk dance of the region — is rendered by Tokuriki in this composition that extends his usual landscape subjects into the realm of traditional performance culture. Tokuriki's occasional figurative and performance subjects demonstrate the breadth of his engagement with Japanese traditional culture beyond the architectural landmarks for which he is best known. The dance's specific identity gives the print a regional and historical specificity.