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 kuchi-e design of a young beauty enjoying a stroll accompanied by an older woman holding an umbrella. She pauses before a stone lion rendered in soft shades of gray, holding her fan as she looks over her shoulder. Fine delicate burnished line work in the beauty's hair and to delineate the umbrella ribs. A lovely image with a striking composition, in a nice large format reprint.

Artist - Toshikata (1866 - 1908)

Image Size - 9 1/2" x 14 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight thinning and paper remnants on reverse at top left corner from previous mounting. A few light creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.