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 portrait of a young Korean girl wearing traditional dress. She poses against a field of pink and violet flowers under a sky dotted with white clouds. A lovely illustration for the novel "Manchu no Hana."

Artist - Terazaki Kogyo (1866 - 1919)

Image Size - 10 5/8" x 7" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Horizontal folds, creasing. Please see photos for details.