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 - Lovely kuchi-e scene of a beauty holding a slip of paper in one hand and a brush in the other, perhaps reading a poem or a note she has just written. She looks down with interest, absorbed in her task. She wears a sage green kimono tied with a blue obi, one sleeve extending over the edge of the circular portrait inset. Her hair is swept back into a smooth bun, the hairline very delicately detailed. Plum branches dotted with white blossoms extend across the foreground. A charming design accented with silvery metallic pigment on the paper she holds, and burnishing on her hair.

Artist - Kajita Hanko (1870 - 1917)

Image Size - 6 3/8" x 11 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Vertical folds. Small wormhole, repaired. Creasing, slight toning and soiling, a few spots. Please see photos for details.