Poem by Saigū Nyōgo - Suzuki Harunobu
Archival giclée
Frames arrive ready to hang
Secure checkout
Made to order
Description
A refined woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, depicting a woman playing the koto, from his series of the Thirty-six Poetic Immortals.
This woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu depicts a scene inspired by the classical Japanese poetic tradition. The composition features two women, one of whom plays the koto, a traditional stringed instrument. The figures are rendered with the slender, graceful proportions characteristic of Harunobu's work during the mid-eighteenth century. The setting is an interior space that opens onto a veranda, where a branch of maple leaves suggests the season of autumn.
Harunobu was a pioneer of nishiki-e, or brocade prints, which utilised multiple woodblocks to achieve a full range of colour. This print demonstrates his mastery of the medium, employing a delicate palette of soft pinks, muted oranges, and earthy tones. The calligraphic lines define the folds of the women's kimonos and the structure of the koto with precision. The inclusion of text at the top of the print, contained within a cloud-like cartouche, identifies the subject as a poem by Saigū Nyōgo, one of the Thirty-six Poetic Immortals.
Such prints were produced in the Edo period, a time when the urban culture of Japan flourished. Harunobu's work often focused on the daily lives of women, capturing moments of quiet activity or artistic pursuit. The balance between the figures and the architectural elements creates a sense of stillness. The print reflects the aesthetic values of the period, where literature and visual art were closely linked. By combining the poetic text with a visual representation of the theme, Harunobu created a work that appeals to both the eye and the intellect. The print remains a representative example of the technical and artistic capabilities of the Ukiyo-e school during its development into full-colour printing.
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
Poem by Saigū Nyōgo - 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