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 - Attractive illustration for the novel "Mount Karabitsu," which tells the story of a young man who falls helplessly in with the exotic beauty, Mariko. Here, the young woman relaxes in a hammock, reading a letter. The daughter of an Englishman and a Japanese woman, she wears Western attire, with a fitted bodice and full skirt patterned with delicate blue flowers, over a white shirt with a red bow at the neck, her hair pulled back into a bun atop her head. Her other hand rests lazily over the side of the hammock, holding a yellow fan. A lovely natural setting with soft green grass, still blue water beyond, and leafy trees at right. A charming design with elegant line work and detail. This image appears on page 116 of Helen Merritt and Nanako Yamada's recent book, "Woodblock Kuchi-e Prints: Reflections of Meiji Culture."

Artist - Hanko Kajita (1870 - 1917)

Image Size - 8 3/4" x 11 3/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Slight vertical creases in subject with a few small spots in subject and along edges. Light thinning along edges and corners. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.