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 - Lovely kuchi-e portrait of a beauty framed by gently curving autumn grasses and delicate flowers. She peers over her shoulder with a slight smile, a pink chrysanthemum blossom adorning her hair. She wears a gray kimono tied with a pale blue obi, the obi and collar of her under robe detailed with silver mica. Beautifully detailed with burnishing in the hair and a soft color palette. A very attractive design.

Artist - Terazaki Kogyo (1866 - 1919)

Image Size - 10" x 7 3/8" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Lightly toned throughout and backed with thin paper. Faint creasing in subject with a couple areas of separation, repaired with backing paper. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.