Attacking a Beauty Kuchi-e Print

by Meiji era artist (not read)

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Attacking a Beauty Kuchi-e Print by Meiji era artist (not read)

Original Meiji era Japanese Woodblock Print
Attacking a Beauty Kuchi-e Print

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 - Dramatic kuchi-e scene of a man attacking a young beauty, raising his sword above his head with both hands, his feet spread widely apart. She looks back with a worried expression, wearing a white pilgrim's vest over her kimono, a bamboo walking staff at her back. At left, a young traveling monk bursts through the doorway, flinging his hand out in alarm, a portable shrine on his back. The home is shabby with cracks in the walls and tears in the shoji window and lamp shade. An intriguing subject, detailed with delicate cloth embossing on the white vest, burnishing on the beauty's hair and the black kimono collar, and metallic silver pigment on the blade.

Artist - Meiji era artist (not read)

Image Size - 8" x 10 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Vertical folds. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing, a few spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Attacking a Beauty Kuchi-e Print by Meiji era artist (not read)
Attacking a Beauty Kuchi-e Print by Meiji era artist (not read)

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