A Beauty's Mirage Kuchi-e Print, 1896

by Shoso Mishima (1856 - 1928)

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A Beauty's Mirage Kuchi-e Print, 1896 by Shoso Mishima (1856 - 1928)

Original Shoso Mishima (1856 - 1928) Japanese Woodblock Print
A Beauty's Mirage Kuchi-e Print, 1896

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 - Intriguing kuchi-e scene of a rather distraught beauty looking over her shoulder as a mirage appears in a cloud of smoke issuing from an ink bottle. The dream features characters from otsu-e, traditional simple folk paintings sold to travelers in Otsu on Lake Biwa near Kyoto. The figures include a yakko or standard bearer, a falconer, and the Wisteria Maiden, all being chased by a small white dog. An officer's cap lies next to the ink bottle and pen. A fascinating image we've only seen once before. Includes burnishing on the beauty's hair and the cap's visor; and embossing on the fan.

Artist - Shoso Mishima (1856 - 1928)

Image Size - 8 5/8" x 10 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Vertical fold. Slight soiling and creasing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

A Beauty's Mirage Kuchi-e Print, 1896 by Shoso Mishima (1856 - 1928)
A Beauty's Mirage Kuchi-e Print, 1896 by Shoso Mishima (1856 - 1928)

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