The Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as Yamabuki - Suzuki Harunobu
Archival giclée
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Description
A classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, featuring the kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojo II in the role of Yamabuki from a 1763 theatrical performance.
This woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu depicts the kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojo II in the role of Yamabuki, the sister of Hata Rokurozaemon. The image originates from the play Shikai Nami Yawaragi Taiheiki, which was performed at the Ichimura Theater in Edo during the eleventh month of 1763. Harunobu, a master of the Ukiyo-e tradition, captures the actor in a graceful, standing pose, holding a folding fan that bears a family crest. The figure is dressed in a patterned kimono, rendered with the delicate line work and soft colour palette characteristic of early nishiki-e, or brocade prints.
The composition is balanced, with the figure positioned centrally against a plain background, allowing the viewer to focus on the stylised features and the decorative motifs of the costume. Calligraphic inscriptions accompany the figure, providing context regarding the actor and the specific theatrical production. Harunobu was instrumental in the development of multi-coloured printing techniques, and this work demonstrates his ability to integrate text and image into a cohesive design. The print reflects the conventions of the period, where actors were frequently subjects for artists, serving as cultural icons within the urban society of Edo-period Japan.
As a museum-grade fine art print, this piece preserves the aesthetic qualities of the original woodblock impression. The muted tones of the kimono, contrasted with the stark white of the fan and the paper, create a visual harmony. This print offers an insight into the theatrical culture of the eighteenth century, documenting both the fashion of the time and the specific performance history of the Ichimura Theater.
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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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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
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as Yamabuki - 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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