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 - Poignant image of a grieving widow biting a cloth in distress. The portrait is inset against a scene of a graveyard as evening falls, with a purple coat lined with red draped over one of the tombstones. The moon glows faintly in the sky at left. An interesting kuchi-e subject, detailed with fine line work and burnishing on the beauty's hair.

Artist - Takeuchi Keishu (1861 - 1942)

Image Size - 8 3/8" x 11 1/4" + right margin as shown

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