Lantern Kuchi-e Print, 1910

by Toshimine (1863 - 1934)

Current Status

Lantern Kuchi-e Print, 1910 by Toshimine (1863 - 1934)

Original Toshimine (1863 - 1934) Japanese Woodblock Print
Lantern Kuchi-e Print, 1910

The Meiji 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 of 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 always have two folds, because of their insertion in a magazine or book as an illustrative print.

A previously neglected genre of Japanese woodblock art, much interest has been generated in the subject since the publication in 2000 of Helen Merritt and Nanako Yamada's groundbreaking book, "Woodblock Kuchi-e Prints: Reflections of Meiji Culture." Kuchi-e prints have become highly sought after and collected by the serious collector.

Comments - Charming illustration for the novel "Tourou," which means lantern in Japanese. A young beauty passes by a doorway with a softly colored lantern hung outside, the paper trim swaying in the cool evening breeze. She wears a red kimono patterned with swirls and bordered with a blue tied-dyed design, tied with a checked obi in silver mica. An attractive design with the colorful kimono and lantern providing a nice contrast to the muted gray evening sky.

Artist - Toshimine (1863 - 1934)

Image Size - 11 1/2" x 8 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Lantern Kuchi-e Print, 1910 by Toshimine (1863 - 1934)
Lantern Kuchi-e Print, 1910 by Toshimine (1863 - 1934)

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