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 in 2000 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 design of a beauty kneeling next to a verandah, absorbed in reading the book in her lap. She wears an informal blue cotton kimono patterned with grasses and flowing water, tied with a red and white obi. The verandah overlooks a garden filled with trees, the foliage rendered in soft tones of green and gray. A serene, attractive image.

Artist - Terazaki Kogyo (1866 - 1919)

Image Size - 7 3/4" x 10 3/8"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Backed with paper. Vertical folds, a few creases, stain. Please see photos for details.