This is a Kuchi-e (frontispiece illustration). Kuchi-e were created for popular literary magazines largely aimed at the female readers in the Meiji-Taisho era. Kuchi-e was published by newly established publishers such as Bungei Kurabu, Shunyodo and Suznado. Bungei Kurabu was a very popular literary magazine in the Meiji-Showa era.

In the upper left inset of this piece, a stern-looking samurai is depicted. There are shomen-zuri patterns on the woman's hair. This image is the frontispiece illustration for the novel "Kyokusui" in Bungei Kurabu, vol. 5 no. 13.

Literature: Helen Merritt and Nanako Yamada, Woodblock Kuchi-e Prints: Reflections of Meiji Culture. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2000. ISBN 0-8248-2073-8 In this book, Kuchi-e and the Meiji-era society are described in detail.

(from: artelino.com)

This work bears the artist's seal ("Toshikata").

ink and colors on paper

This object has the following keywords:

• Japanese Art
• Japanese Customs
• Meiji Period
• Music and Dancing
• Musicians

This object is a member of the following portfolios: