Fine Art Poster
From $29
A giclée print on 200gsm matte fine art paper, using a twelve-colour process for accurate, fade-resistant colour. Supplied unframed, delivered flat or rolled.
Lives of Courtesans at Itako - Katsushika Hokusai
Regular price
$29.00 USD
Sale price
$29.00 USD
Regular price
Archival giclée
Frames arrive ready to hang
Secure checkout
Made to order
Description
A 1802 woodblock print cover by Katsushika Hokusai, featuring elegant Japanese calligraphy and a minimalist design.
This print represents the cover of the 'Itako zekku', or 'Lives of Courtesans at Itako', a notable work by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. Published in 1802, this piece demonstrates the artist's early mastery of book design and typography within the Ukiyo-e tradition. The composition is restrained, focusing on the vertical orientation of the title in bold, black ink characters against a textured, light-brown paper background. The title, 'Itako zekku', refers to the region of Itako, a location often associated with the floating world culture of the Edo period. The design reflects the aesthetic preferences of the time, where the physical presentation of a book was as important as its contents. The vertical label, or 'daisen', is positioned to the left, providing a clear visual anchor. The inclusion of the artist's signature, 'Hokusai ga' (drawn by Hokusai), confirms his involvement in the production. The subtle, linear texture of the paper provides a tactile quality, suggesting the use of high-quality washi paper common in period publications. This work is a fine example of the intersection between literature and visual art in 19th-century Japan. Unlike the more famous, colourful landscape prints of his later career, this piece highlights Hokusai's skill in graphic layout and the use of negative space. The simplicity of the design allows the viewer to appreciate the balance between the calligraphic brushwork and the surrounding field. It serves as a reminder of the artist's versatility, moving beyond the popular imagery of the time to engage with the structural elements of book arts. This print is suitable for those who appreciate the minimalist beauty of historical Japanese graphic design and the technical precision of woodblock 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.
Complete The Look
Lives of Courtesans at Itako - Katsushika Hokusai
Regular price
From $29.00 USD
Sale price
From $29.00 USD
Regular price
Fine Art Poster / A4 (21x29.7 cm) / -
Artist Biography
Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai was a visionary Japanese artist whose influence stretched far beyond his lifetime. Born in 1760 in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), Hokusai became world-renowned for his mastery of ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings. His most iconic work, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, is instantly recognisable across the globe and embodies his lifelong fascination with the power of nature. Hokusai’s ability to capture the dynamic tension between beauty and impermanence is a hallmark of his style, deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics and Buddhist philosophy.
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.
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.
Our Features
Designed for Lasting Impact
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
Made to order
Choose your finish
Every piece is printed to order. These are the five finishes, and what makes each one different.
Fine Art Framed
From $89
The same fine art print in a solid wood frame with UV-protective acrylic glaze and rigid backing. Five frame colours. Arrives ready to hang.
Premium Box Frame
From $169
A deeper solid wood frame: 33mm deep with a 20mm face and Perspex glaze. The print sits unmounted for a clean gallery presentation. Black, white or natural.
Canvas
From $59
Hand-stretched canvas with neat gallery-wrapped edges, giving the artwork surface texture and depth. Arrives ready to hang.
Framed Canvas
From $175
Stretched canvas set in a floating wood frame, our most substantial finish. Arrives ready to hang.
Why Choose Us ?
Damage-free delivery guarantee
Fast Shipping
Museum-Quality Materials
Artist Biography
Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai was a visionary Japanese artist whose influence stretched far beyond his lifetime. Born in 1760 in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), Hokusai became world-renowned for his mastery of ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings. His most iconic work, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, is instantly recognisable across the globe and embodies his lifelong fascination with the power of nature. Hokusai’s ability to capture the dynamic tension between beauty and impermanence is a hallmark of his style, deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics and Buddhist philosophy.
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.
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.
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