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 - Beautiful kuchi-e illustration of a young woman enjoying a spring stroll under a shower of delicate pink cherry blossom petals. She looks up with a distracted expression from under her umbrella, her mind elsewhere. She wears a purple kimono with a narrow blue plaid design, tied with a blue obi splashed with silver mica waves. She also wears an interesting fingerless glove. Wonderful fine line work in the hairstyle, with wisps of loose hair blowing about the face. A lovely spring image for the novel "Hana Fubuki" (Flower Snowstorm).

Artist - Takeuchi Keishu (1861 - 1942)

Image Size - 11 3/8" x 8 1/4"

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Backed with somewhat stiff paper. Folds. Some prints have wrinkling or a few spots. Please see photos for details.