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 - Intriguing kuchi-e illustration for the novel "Datsou-Hoi." At left, a samurai threatens a painter sitting on a straw mat, kicking at him. The artist recoils, raising his hand in defense, knocking over a shallow bowl of paint. The image at right shows a distraught beauty leaning forward, obviously agitated and worried. She wears a blue kimono with a gray and white geometric inset, tied with a plum colored obi. A morning glory vine with a bright pink blossom frames the design. An interesting subject with burnishing in the beauty's hair.

Artist - Tomioka Eisen (1864 - 1905)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two folds. Please see photos for details. Very good overall.