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 are 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. These handsome designs are popular with serious collectors.
Comments - Interesting kuchi-e illustration for the novel "Autumn Shower" in the magazine "Bungei Kurabu." A beauty bites her handkerchief nervously as she reads a newspaper account of the recent battles during the Russo-Japanese War. As she looks down, anxiously twisting the cloth, she imagines the scene inset at upper left, where soldiers are engaged in battle, a man falling backwards as he is hit by enemy fire. She wears a delicately patterned gray and white kimono tied with a striped obi, a wedding ring visible on her hand and a flower adorning her hair. A handsome design.
Artist - Suzuki Kason (1860 - 1919)
Image Size - 8 1/4" x 11 1/4" + margin as shown
Condition - Good detail. Backed with paper. Horizontal and vertical folds, slight curling.
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