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 - Terrific kuchi-e print of a young beauty sitting at an open window, a full moon rising in the pale evening sky outside. She wears a striped blue kimono tied with a bamboo print obi, a few flashes of red visible at the edges. Her hair is pulled softly back into a bun with wisps framing her face, a ring visible on the hand resting gently on the windowsill. Delicate grasses arch behind a shrub dotted with soft pink blossoms. Beautifully drawn with lovely detail and soft colors. An attractive design.

Artist - Terazaki Kogyo (1866 - 1919)

Image Size - 11" x 8 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Horizontal folds, light vertical line where backing papers meet. Slight toning, faint stain. Please see photos for details.