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 - Interesting kuchi-e print featuring a beauty in the guise of Daruma, the founder of Zen Buddhism in Japan. She sits wrapped in a red robe that has oxidized to a dark tone, holding a fly whisk as she stares at her companion. The older man wears an elegant print kimono over a pink under robe patterned with fans, his earlobes stretched out from years of wearing heavy gold earrings. A wisp of smoke rises from an incense burner on a tray between the two. Nicely detailed with allover cloth embossing in the background. Only the second time we've seen this subject.
Artist - Toshikata (1866 - 1908)
Image Size - 11 3/8" x 8 1/2" + top margin as shown
Condition - Nice detail. Horizontal and vertical folds, small repair, creasing at edges.
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