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 design of a beauty playing a one-stringed, Chinese zither called a chin. She looks to the side with a dreamy expression, the instrument resting across her arms. She wears a flowing kimono patterned with silver metallic birds, tucked into plum-colored hakama pants. Her long hair is drawn back with a large white bow, falling loosely over her back. A folding screen at left features a dragon emerging from clouds, and a vase on a stand at right holds plum branches. A beautiful kuchi-e illustration for the novel "Mrs. O," a family name used in Japan for people of Taiwanese origin, from 1904, which was the Year of the Dragon. . This image appears on page 161 of Helen Merritt and Nanako Yamada's recent book, "Woodblock Kuchi-e Prints: Reflections of Meiji Culture." A rare kuchi-e subject.

Artist - Kajita Hanko (1870 - 1917)

Image Size - 11" x 7 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal folds. Slight toning and ink offsetting, a few creases at edges. Please see photos for details.