The Kuchi-e Tradition - Kuchi-e prints are woodblock frontispiece illustrations used in the publication of Japanese novels and magazines around the turn of the 20th century. Most kuchi-e prints were illustrations of bijin and continued the tradition of idealized beauties in Japanese art. The subjects, however, have a decidedly Meiji era feel about them and reflect the artistic movement towards more western design. Kuchi-e prints typically have one or two folds because of their use.

Much interest has been generated in the subject since the publication of Helen Merritt and Nanako Yamada's book, "Woodblock Kuchi-e Prints: Reflections of Meiji Culture." Kuchi-e prints have become highly sought after and collected by the serious collector.

Comments - Handsome kuchi-e design of a samurai traveling by palanquin at night, stopping for a rest beside a tree. He wears a black kimono tucked into full striped hakama pants, his two swords at his side and a woven basket hat under his arm. The moon glows in the evening sky overhead, framed by the delicate branches of the tree. At upper right, a beauty peers over the edge of the image, as if the paper has been rolled back, showing that she is thinking of her sweetheart while he is far away. Nicely detailed with faint cloth embossing in the pale yellow background around the beauty.

Artist - Meiji era artist (not read)

Image Size - 8" x 9 7/8" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Very faint soiling in subject with a couple spots of thinning along edges. Light remnants from previous backing on reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.