This woodblock print shows a battle scene between samurai. The samuray armed with a yari has struck his opponent.

Kuchi-e are sheets which were printed for publishing them in Japanese novels and literary magazines. They were made around the turn of the century (1868-1912).
The translation of Kuchi-e  means “mouth images”. Seen that way, they are, if you like, the precursors of the later mangas.

Artist: Unknown
Format: approx. 30 x 22 cm.
Year of publication: around 1880.
Condition: Sheet is more rubbed on the upper edge, The corners are cracked, apart from that undamanged. Slightly brown due to its age. Brown spots in the lower area at the left side and in the middle. Two lateral folds due to the fact that it was part of a book.
Colours: Very good and brilliant.

Kuchi-e are woodblock prints which were handmade in the tradition of the antique Ukiyo-e.