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 - Attractive kuchi-e portrait of a beauty in a circular inset with a red background, looking over her shoulder with a sweet smile. The rest of the page features two elegant lacquer containers for a shell matching game called kai-awase on the ground beneath an ancient pine tree with a blue cloud above. A lovely design, nicely detailed, including delicate embossing on the beauty's kimono and burnishing on her hair. The first time we've offered this subject.

Artist - Takeuchi Keishu (1861 - 1942)

Image Size - 8 1/4" x 10 5/8"

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Vertical folds. Tear at edge, small hole, repaired. Creasing throughout, a few stains. Please see photos for details.