Festival Lanterns, First Series - Ōishi Matora
Archival giclée
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Description
A dynamic woodblock print by Ōishi Matora depicting a dramatic confrontation between two figures, characteristic of early 19th-century Japanese narrative art.
This woodblock print originates from the series 'Shinji andon shohen', or 'Festival Lanterns, First Series', created by the Japanese artist Ōishi Matora during the early 19th century. Matora, a painter and printmaker active in the Nagoya region, was known for his ability to capture dynamic movement and theatrical narrative within the constraints of the woodblock medium. This specific work depicts a dramatic confrontation between two figures, likely drawn from a kabuki performance or a historical legend.
The composition is divided across two panels, a common format for illustrated books of the period. On the left, a warrior figure is shown in a defensive posture, carrying a large pole-arm or naginata. The figure on the right is captured in a mid-action stance, wielding a sword with a fan held in the other hand. The artist employs clean, precise lines to define the armour, clothing, and the architectural elements of the bridge or platform upon which the figures stand. The use of colour is restrained, relying on a palette of muted tones, including soft blues, reds, and earthy browns, which allows the focus to remain on the expressive gestures and the tension of the scene.
Ōishi Matora was a student of the Kano school, and his training is evident in the disciplined approach to form and the balanced arrangement of the figures. Unlike the more flamboyant styles seen in contemporary Edo-based prints, Matora’s work often possesses a refined, academic quality. The print provides a glimpse into the visual culture of the late Edo period, where literature, theatre, and history were frequently synthesised into accessible, mass-produced formats. The work remains a clear example of the technical skill involved in Japanese woodblock printing, where every line and colour block was meticulously carved and registered to produce a cohesive narrative image.
Return policy
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.
Shipping
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
Festival Lanterns, First Series - Ōishi Matora
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