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 - 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 and flowing loose 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 - Terazaki Kogyo (1866 - 1919)

Image Size - 11 3/8" x 8 3/8" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal folds. Backed with paper. Tiny wormhole, repaired. Slight soiling, a few marks. Please see photos for details.