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-print of a young girl seeking shelter near a tree during a sudden autumn shower. She bites the sleeve of her kimono nervously as raindrops slant across the sky and the wind blows the grasses around her. A pale sun is visible behind the soft gray clouds at upper right. A beautiful subject from the novel "Katashigure" (A Late Autumn Shower). This image appears on page 109 in Helen Merritt and Nanako Yamada's book, "Woodblock Kuchi-e Prints: Reflections of Meiji Culture."

Artist - Yamanaka Kodo (1869 - 1945)

Image Size - 8 1/2" x 11" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail. Vertical folds. Slight toning, a few small spots, faint stain near edge. Please see photos for details.