The Lantern Shop - 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 two figures at a lantern shop with delicate line work and a muted colour palette.
This woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu depicts a scene at a lantern shop, a common subject within the Ukiyo-e tradition. Harunobu is credited with the development of nishiki-e, or brocade prints, which allowed for the use of multiple colours in a single composition. This work demonstrates his mastery of the medium through the precise registration of blocks and the delicate application of pigment.
The composition features two figures interacting near a stall hung with various paper lanterns. The architectural elements, such as the chequered roof, provide a structured frame for the figures. Harunobu employs a flattened perspective, typical of the period, which directs the viewer's attention to the patterns on the kimonos and the variety of lantern designs. The figures are rendered with slender proportions and graceful postures, characteristic of the artist's style during the 1760s.
The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft tones of ochre, muted red, and grey. This choice creates a sense of harmony across the print. The attention to detail in the lanterns, each featuring unique motifs, suggests a focus on the material culture of Edo-period Japan. The print serves as a record of urban life, capturing a quiet moment of commerce and social interaction. By utilising the woodblock technique, Harunobu achieved a balance between line and colour, ensuring that the graphic quality of the print remains clear. This piece is an example of the technical sophistication achieved by Japanese printmakers during the mid-eighteenth century, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of the time for elegance and refined composition.
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 Lantern Shop - 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