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-e illustration for the novel "Dream Talk" (Yume-gatari). A beauty wanders the grounds of a temple in summer, gathering a bouquet of iris blossoms as she strolls through the gracefully curving grasses. She wears a tan striped kimono and carries a plum-colored Western style umbrella. A pagoda spire rises above the trees in the distance, with a graveyard before it. An attractive design, nicely composed.

Artist - Toshikata (1866 - 1908)

Image Size - 8 1/4" x 10 7/8"

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Vertical folds. Creasing throughout. Please see photos for details.