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 - Terrific kuchi-e print of a beauty carrying a gray umbrella, pausing to look back over her shoulder as someone passes in the other direction under a brown umbrella. She wears a green kimono with a burnished black collar, her hair swept back into a soft bun with a few loose wisps framing her face. A great design with real graphic appeal, the umbrellas bisecting the page in sweeping curves. Beautifully detailed with burnishing on the hair and collar.

Artist - Tomioka Eisen (1864 - 1905)

Image Size - 8 5/8" x 11 1/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Vertical folds. A few spots. Please see photos for details.