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.

An Offering to Buddha Kuchi-e Print, 1908 - Wonderful kuchi-e image of a young beauty kneeling before a Buddhist shrine, her hands clasped in prayer. She wears the traditional dress of the Asuka era (552 - 646), her hair in a single topknot with the rest falling loosely over her back. Beautifully detailed and colored. A lovely woodblock. This image appears on page 151 of Merritt and Yamada's "Woodblock Kuchi-e Prints: Reflections of Meiji Culture."

Artist - Terasaki Kogyo (1866 - 1919)

Image Size - 11 7/8" x 8 1/4" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Horizontal and vertical folds. A few small repairs, creasing throughout. Please see photos for details.