The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as a Woman of a Samurai Family - Katsushika Hokusai
Archival giclée
Frames arrive ready to hang
Secure checkout
Made to order
Description
A classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print depicting the kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojo III in a samurai-inspired role.
This woodblock print captures the actor Segawa Kikunojo III in the role of a woman from a samurai household. Produced during the artist's early career, the work reflects the conventions of the Ukiyo-e genre, which focused on the lives of actors, courtesans, and urban culture in Edo-period Japan. The figure is depicted with the stylised grace characteristic of the period, wearing a kimono adorned with a family crest. The presence of the katana, held with a deliberate posture, creates a contrast between the feminine attire and the martial associations of the samurai class.
The composition employs a balanced arrangement of architectural elements, including a section of a tiled wall and a bamboo fence, which provide a sense of place. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft ochre tones and black ink to define the forms. The lines are precise, demonstrating the technical skill required for the woodblock printing process. As an actor print, or yakusha-e, this piece documents the theatrical fashions and performance styles of the late eighteenth century. It offers a view into the intersection of gender performance and social status within the kabuki theatre tradition. The print serves as a record of the specific aesthetic preferences of the era, where the depiction of actors was a primary subject for artists working in the floating world style. The work remains a clear example of the early output of Katsushika Hokusai, who would later gain wider recognition for his series of landscape prints.
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
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as a Woman of a Samurai Family - Katsushika Hokusai
Artist Biography
Katsushika Hokusai
Throughout his prolific career, Hokusai produced thousands of prints, sketches and illustrated books. He continually reinvented his style and identity, even adopting over 30 different artist names as his work evolved. His bold compositions, innovative use of perspective and striking colour palettes redefined Japanese printmaking. Hokusai's famed series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji showcases not just technical mastery, but a spiritual reverence for landscape and everyday life. His work depicted everything from serene rural scenes to mythological creatures and bustling cityscapes.
Hokusai's legacy transcended Japan, profoundly shaping Western art during the 19th century through the movement known as Japonisme. Artists like Monet, Van Gogh and Whistler drew direct inspiration from his compositions and sensibilities. Today, Hokusai is celebrated not only as one of Japan’s greatest artists, but as a bridge between Eastern and Western visual culture. His art continues to captivate modern audiences with its fluid lines, narrative depth and timeless exploration of the human connection to nature.
Why Choose Us ?
Damage-free delivery guarantee
Fast Shipping
Museum-Quality Materials
You May Also Like