Kuchi-e: Illustration as Art Undiscovered gems of ukiyo-e, Kuchi-e were produced at the turn of the 20th century as frontispiece illustrations in Japanese novels and literary magazines. Gentle, romantic and totally enchanting they primarily depicted the idealized woman in a changing Meiji society. Printed with unparalleled skill and care to the highest standards of woodblock printing with embossing, metallic embellishments and subtle coloring they are a delight to view. Still widely unknown and undervalued, these prints deserve serious attention from all woodblock print collectors.
