Netsuke (Woman and Skeleton) - Fine Art Print
Archival giclée
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Made to order
Description
A detailed photographic print of a Japanese netsuke carving, featuring a woman and a skeletal figure, reflecting traditional themes of mortality.
This netsuke depicts a seated woman in traditional kimono alongside a skeletal figure holding a lantern. Netsuke originated as functional toggles in Japan, designed to secure personal items such as the inro (a small container) to the sash of a kimono. Because the traditional Japanese garment lacked pockets, these miniature sculptures provided a practical solution for carrying daily necessities.
Beyond their utility, netsuke became a medium for artistic expression. Carvers utilised materials like ivory, wood, and lacquer to create small-scale narratives. The juxtaposition of the living woman and the skeletal figure reflects the Japanese concept of memento mori, or the transient nature of existence. The skeleton, often associated with the yurei or spirits of the dead in folklore, is rendered with anatomical detail, while the woman displays the serene expression typical of period portraiture. The lantern held by the skeleton adds a layer of narrative mystery, suggesting a scene from a ghost story or a theatrical performance.
This print captures the fine details of the carving, from the texture of the kimono fabric to the hollowed features of the skull. The composition is compact, adhering to the requirements of a functional object meant to be handled and viewed from multiple angles. The patina of the ivory suggests age, adding to the visual weight of the piece. As a subject for fine art photography, this netsuke offers a glimpse into the intersection of daily life and spiritual symbolism in historical Japan. It remains a representative example of the craftsmanship found in small-scale Japanese decorative arts, where technical skill meets thematic depth.
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
Netsuke (Woman and Skeleton) - Fine Art Print
Artist Biography
Unknown Artist
The artistic approach of the Unknown Artist varies between the formal composition of the carte-de-visite and the narrative style of the war prints. In the Moroccan portraits, the focus rests on the subject's posture and attire against a neutral studio backdrop. The Japanese prints use bold lines and flat colours to depict military movements and naval victories. Despite the lack of a specific attribution, these works demonstrate a high level of technical skill in both lithography and woodblock carving.
Modern collectors often value anonymous works for their mystery and focus on the image itself. These prints provide a direct connection to history without the distraction of a famous name. They function as windows into the 19th-century world, from the quiet dignity of a young girl in a studio to the chaos of a distant conflict. These pieces offer a sense of discovery for those who appreciate the aesthetic qualities of vintage photography and historical illustration.
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