Goldfish Kuchi-e Print, 1913

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.

Goldfish Kuchi-e Print, 1913 - Charming image of a young woman watching a pair of colorful goldfish in a glass aquarium. She kneels beside them, absorbed in the graceful movements of the quiet creatures. She wears a blue and white kimono patterned with swathes of color and sweeping curved lines, her hair pulled back into a soft bun with a few loose wisps. A small stand at left holds blossoming pink flowers. An attractive kuchi-e design for the novel "Kingyo" (Goldfish), with soft color and fine shading.

Artist - Takeuchi Keishu (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 11 5/8" x 8 3/8"

Condition - Good color and detail. Backed with paper. Horizontal folds.