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 illustration of a beauty standing beside a standing screen, lost in thought. She is daydreaming about a young man, who appears at upper right on a rugged cliff writing a long letter. The paper trails over his shoulder, floating in the breeze as birds swoop through the sky. An intriguing image with wonderful detail in the beauty's intricately patterned obi.

Artist - Terazaki Kogyo (1866 - 1919)

Image Size - 8 3/4" x 12 1/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Faint spotting in subject with a couple small tears along edges, repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.