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 looking out a window at a red plum tree in winter, a few buds and blossoms peeking out from the snow. She wears a lavender kimono with a pattern of birds in flight above waves over a red under robe, tied with a shaded blue obi with a design of poem slips. her hair is pulled back into a large bun with soft wings at the side, adorned with a comb, hairpins decorated with tiny folding fans and plum blossoms, and red ribbons. A beautiful design, exquisitely printed with sliver mica on the birds, embossing in the white kimono collar, and burnishing in the hair.

Artist - Hirezaki Eiho (1881 - 1970)

Image Size - 18 1/8" x 5 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Folds from original book inclusion. Slight separation at ends of one fold, repaired. Slight toning and creasing, a few small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.