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 - Charming scene of a beauty with an umbrella, pausing to look up as she hears a voice. She wears a brown patterned kimono over a blue under robe, tied with a gray striped obi, a flash of red at the sleeve and top of the obi adding a bit of color. The "snake's eye" design of the gray and yellow umbrella provides a strong graphic element. A beautifully drawn illustration for the novel "A Voice" (Hito koe).

Artist - Takeuchi Keishu (1861 - 1942)

Image Size - 11" x 8 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal folds. Small losses and holes, repaired. Creasing, slight toning and soiling, slight ink bleeding. Please see photos for details.