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 - Intriguing kuchi-e design featuring a portrait of a young beauty in a round inset, with a seascape in the background. A small fisherman's boat with a large net approaches a large sailing vessel. The woman carries a lacquer tray and wears a kimono in softly color stripes. Nicely detailed with burnishing on the black hair and a faintly embossed pattern on the background of the inset.

Artist - Katsura

Image Size - 8 1/2" x 11 3/4" + margins as shown

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