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 - Intriguing kuchi-e illustration for the novel "Dasso-hei" (Deserter). At left, a samurai threatens a painter sitting on a straw mat, kicking at him. The artist recoils, raising his hand in defense, knocking over a shallow bowl of paint. The image at right shows a distraught beauty leaning forward, obviously agitated and worried. She wears a blue kimono with a gray and white geometric inset, tied with a plum colored obi. A morning glory vine with a pink blossom frames the design. An interesting subject with burnishing on the beauty's hair.
Artist - Tomioka Eisen (1864 - 1905)
Image Size - Sheet size 8 3/4" x 11 7/8"
Condition - Nice color and detail. Vertical folds.
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