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.
Young Man Riding a Giant Tortoise (Parody of Urashima Taro) - Suzuki Harunobu
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 refined woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, depicting a young man atop a giant tortoise in a playful parody of the classic Urashima Taro folktale.
This woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu depicts a young man seated upon the back of a large tortoise, a clear reference to the Japanese folktale of Urashima Taro. Harunobu, a master of the nishiki-e (brocade print) technique, uses a delicate palette and refined line work to present this scene. The work functions as a mitate-e, or parody print, where classical themes are reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary Edo-period fashion and aesthetics.
The figure is dressed in the attire of a young man of the period, holding a fishing rod, which aligns with the traditional narrative of the fisherman who visits the undersea palace of the Dragon King. The tortoise, rendered with decorative patterns on its shell, serves as the mythical vessel for this journey. Harunobu avoids heavy shading, opting instead for flat planes of colour and subtle gradients that define the forms of the figure and the creature. The background features a stylised sun, adding a graphic element to the composition.
Harunobu was instrumental in the development of multi-coloured printing in the 1760s. His prints are known for their slender, graceful figures and their ability to blend literary allusion with the everyday life of the floating world. This specific print demonstrates his skill in balancing the fantastical nature of the subject with the grounded, humanised portrayal of the protagonist. The inclusion of calligraphy at the top of the print integrates text with image, a common practice in ukiyo-e that adds a layer of poetic context to the visual narrative. The print remains a fine example of the sophisticated print culture that flourished in Japan during the mid-eighteenth century.
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
Complete The Look
Young Man Riding a Giant Tortoise (Parody of Urashima Taro) - Suzuki Harunobu
Regular price
From $29.00 USD
Sale price
From $29.00 USD
Regular price
Fine Art Poster / A4 (21x29.7 cm) / -
Artist Biography
Suzuki Harunobu
Suzuki Harunobu did not start his career with the full palette of colours for which he is now known. His early work consisted of simple two-colour prints and mizu-e, or water pictures, which used coloured key blocks instead of black to create a pale appearance. His transition occurred in 1765 when he collaborated with private poetry clubs to produce egoyomi, which were pictorial calendars. These commissions allowed him to use the expensive pigments and heavy paper that defined nishiki-e, or brocade pictures.
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.
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.
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.
Why Choose Us ?
Damage-free delivery guarantee
Fast Shipping
Museum-Quality Materials
You May Also Like