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 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 - Charming design of a Heian era beauty in a traveling costume walking through tall autumn grasses as dead leaves rustle at her feet and insects chirp. She wears a hat with a veil attached, pushing the sheer fabric aside as she peers to the side. Her purple outer kimono is trimmed with green brocade, worn over a red under robe with a geometric pattern. An attractive kuchi-e illustration for the novel "Mushi no Ne" (The Sound of Insects).

Artist - Takeuchi Keishu (1861 - 1943)

Image Size - 11 7/8" x 8 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Horizontal folds. Small repair, creasing. Please see photos for details.