Parody of the Yūgao Chapter of the Tale of Genji - Suzuki Harunobu
Archival giclée
Frames arrive ready to hang
Secure checkout
Made to order
Description
A classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, depicting a contemporary parody of a scene from the Tale of Genji.
Suzuki Harunobu was a pioneer of the nishiki-e, or brocade print, which allowed for the use of multiple colours in a single woodblock composition. This work depicts a scene inspired by the Yūgao chapter of the Tale of Genji, a classic of Japanese literature. Harunobu frequently employed the technique of mitate-e, or parody, to transpose classical literary themes into the contemporary setting of the Edo period. By doing so, he invited viewers to draw parallels between the refined courtly world of the past and the fashionable urban culture of his own time.
The composition features a slender female figure standing beneath a trellis of yūgao, or evening glory flowers. Her posture is delicate, and her kimono is rendered with careful attention to pattern and texture. The background is simplified, focusing the viewer on the interaction between the figure and her immediate environment. The use of space is characteristic of Harunobu, who often favoured a flattened perspective that prioritised the decorative quality of the image over three-dimensional realism. The lines are fine and controlled, reflecting the precision required for the woodblock carving process.
This print captures the aesthetic sensibilities of the mid-eighteenth century, where themes of romance and nostalgia were popular subjects for the urban merchant class. The inclusion of the fan and the specific floral motif serves as a visual shorthand for the literary source material, allowing the audience to recognise the reference immediately. Harunobu's ability to synthesise classical narrative with contemporary fashion made his work highly sought after during his career. This print remains a representative example of his contribution to the development of colour printing in Japan, demonstrating the technical and artistic shifts that defined the Ukiyo-e movement during this period.
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
Parody of the Yūgao Chapter of the Tale of Genji - 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.
Why Choose Us ?
Damage-free delivery guarantee
Fast Shipping
Museum-Quality Materials
You May Also Like