Couple behind a Standing Curtain - Suzuki Harunobu
Archival giclée
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Description
A refined woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, featuring two figures in an intimate interior setting, rendered in the delicate style of the Edo period.
This woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu belongs to the shunga genre, a category of Japanese art depicting intimate scenes. Harunobu is credited with the development of nishiki-e, or brocade prints, which allowed for the use of multiple colours in a single composition. This technical advancement transformed the medium, moving away from the limited palettes of earlier eras.
The composition features two figures in a private interior, partially obscured by a standing screen. Harunobu employs a flattened perspective, typical of the period, which directs the viewer's attention to the delicate lines of the figures and the patterns of their garments. The use of soft, muted tones creates a sense of quietude, contrasting with the subject matter. The architectural elements, such as the sliding doors and the patterned curtain, provide a structured frame for the central figures.
Harunobu's work is known for its slender, ethereal figures, often described as doll-like. This aesthetic choice removes the subjects from a strictly realistic context, placing them instead within a stylised, poetic realm. The attention to detail in the textile patterns and the subtle shading of the background demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship involved in the production of these prints. As a master of the Edo period, Harunobu influenced the development of the woodblock print tradition, refining the balance between line, colour, and composition. This print offers a glimpse into the domestic and private lives depicted in the art of the time, rendered with the technical precision that defines Harunobu's contribution to the ukiyo-e tradition.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Couple behind a Standing Curtain - Suzuki Harunobu
Artist Biography
Suzuki Harunobu
Harunobu moved away from the stiff portraits of kabuki actors common in his era. He preferred to depict young women in their daily lives, often using an elevated viewpoint to look into private spaces. His series Zashiki hakkei, or Eight Parlour Views, provides a clear example of his method. He took classical Chinese themes and reimagined them as domestic scenes. A temple bell might become a chiming clock. A distant storm is represented by a woman drying herself after a bath.
Modern collectors value these prints for their quiet atmosphere and precise compositions. Harunobu avoided the aggressive energy of later ukiyo-e artists. He chose instead to focus on slender figures and soft colour harmonies. His work captures specific moments of leisure, such as playing cat's cradle or walking by the shore. These scenes offer a calm window into eighteenth-century Japan. They remain popular because they balance historical detail with a clean, graphic sensibility that suits contemporary interiors.
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