Beauty with a Dog Kuchi-e Print, 1897

by Suzuki Kason (1860 - 1919)

Current Status

Beauty with a Dog Kuchi-e Print, 1897 by Suzuki Kason (1860 - 1919)

Original Suzuki Kason (1860 - 1919) Japanese Woodblock Print
Beauty with a Dog Kuchi-e Print, 1897

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 - Charming kuchi-e image of a beauty playing with a dog, the animal enthusiastically jumping up on her lap. She wears a delicately striped purple and blue kimono, tied with a floral print obi. The portrait inset is set against a square featuring pine sprigs in white, the atmospheric background a lovely garden scene of plum trees in bloom on a moonlit night. An interesting subject, the red orange contrasting beautifully with the subdued tones of the landscape.

Artist - Suzuki Kason (1860 - 1919)

Image Size - 8 1/2" x 11 14"

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Vertical folds. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details.

Beauty with a Dog Kuchi-e Print, 1897 by Suzuki Kason (1860 - 1919)
Beauty with a Dog Kuchi-e Print, 1897 by Suzuki Kason (1860 - 1919)

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