{"title":"Santo Kyoden","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"flowers-of-yamashita-kitao-masanobu","title":"Flowers of Yamashita - Kitao Masanobu","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined ukiyo-e woodblock print by Kitao Masanobu, depicting three women in elegant kimono from the series Contest of Contemporary Beauties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Kitao Masanobu, also known as the writer Santo Kyoden, originates from the series Contest of Contemporary Beauties (Tosei bijin iro kurabe). Produced during the Edo period, the work captures the aesthetic sensibilities of the Yoshiwara pleasure district. Masanobu was a prominent figure in the ukiyo-e tradition, known for his refined depictions of women and his literary contributions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features three figures arranged in a balanced, graceful manner. One woman sits, holding a pipe, while the other two stand, one holding a circular fan and the other a small decorative tassel. A small cat sits at the lower right, adding a domestic touch to the scene. The artist employs a delicate line quality to define the facial features and the folds of the kimono, while the patterns on the garments provide visual interest without overwhelming the figures. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft tones to maintain the focus on the subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis print reflects the fashion and social customs of the time. The attention to textile design, from the checked patterns to the floral motifs, demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship involved in the production of ukiyo-e prints. Masanobu's approach to the human form is characteristic of his period, emphasising slender proportions and elegant postures. The work provides a window into the cultural life of late 18th-century Japan, documenting the styles and accessories popular among the urban population. As a museum-grade print, this piece preserves the subtle gradations and precise linework of the original woodblock process, offering an authentic representation of Masanobu's artistic output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/evening-glow-at-ryogoku-bridge-keisai-eisen\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eEvening Glow at Ryogoku Bridge - Keisai Eisen — Keisai Eisen\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/vehicles-on-the-streets-of-tokyo-utagawa-yoshitora\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eVehicles on the Streets of Tokyo - Utagawa Yoshitora — Utagawa Yoshitora\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Santō Kyōden","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58959240364367,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58959432843599,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58959432876367,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58959432909135,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58959432941903,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58959432974671,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58959433007439,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58959433040207,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58959433072975,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58959433105743,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58959433138511,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58959433171279,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Flowers-of-Yamashita_Poster_CompositorV1_1790746650354.jpg?v=1790748029"},{"product_id":"two-beauties-on-a-veranda-kitao-masanobu","title":"Two Beauties on a Veranda - Kitao Masanobu","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined ukiyo-e woodblock print by Kitao Masanobu, depicting two women on a veranda with accompanying calligraphy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKitao Masanobu, also known as Santō Kyōden, was a prominent figure in the Edo period art scene. This work belongs to the bijin-ga genre, which focuses on the depiction of beautiful women. The composition features two figures positioned on a veranda, a common setting in ukiyo-e prints to suggest a transition between interior and exterior spaces. The artist employs a refined line quality to delineate the folds of the kimono and the delicate features of the subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe print incorporates calligraphic text, which serves as both a narrative element and a visual balance to the figures on the right. The use of negative space is deliberate, drawing the viewer's eye to the interaction between the standing woman and her seated companion. The colour palette is restrained, relying on subtle tones to maintain the focus on the figures and the accompanying poetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMasanobu was known for his ability to capture the fashion and social nuances of the time. His work often reflects the aesthetic preferences of the urban population in Edo. The figures are rendered with a sense of grace, their postures suggesting a quiet moment of conversation or contemplation. The inclusion of the bamboo blind and the architectural elements of the veranda provides a sense of place without overwhelming the composition. This print is an example of the technical skill involved in woodblock production during the late eighteenth century, where the collaboration between artist, carver, and printer resulted in works of high precision. The balance between the written word and the visual image is a hallmark of this period, reflecting the integration of literature and visual art in Japanese culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/evening-glow-at-ryogoku-bridge-keisai-eisen\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eEvening Glow at Ryogoku Bridge - Keisai Eisen — Keisai Eisen\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/vehicles-on-the-streets-of-tokyo-utagawa-yoshitora\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eVehicles on the Streets of Tokyo - Utagawa Yoshitora — Utagawa Yoshitora\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Santō Kyōden","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58959352332623,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58959436874063,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58959436906831,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58959436939599,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58959436972367,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58959437005135,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58959437037903,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58959437070671,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58959437103439,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58959437136207,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58959437168975,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58959437201743,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Two-Beauties-on-a-Veranda_Poster_CompositorV1_1790746590658.jpg?v=1790748242"},{"product_id":"enjoying-the-evening-cool-in-hirokoji-kitao-masanobu","title":"Enjoying the Evening Cool in Hirokoji - Kitao Masanobu","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Kitao Masanobu, depicting figures enjoying the evening air in the Hirokoji district of Edo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Kitao Masanobu, active during the mid-Edo period, captures a scene of urban leisure in the Hirokoji district near the Ryogoku Bridge. The composition features a group of figures, including women in patterned kimono and a child, gathered in the evening air. The artist, who was also a noted writer under the name Santo Kyoden, demonstrates a keen eye for the fashion and social habits of the period. The figures are rendered with the characteristic elongated proportions and fluid lines associated with the Ukiyo-e school of the late 18th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this work, the figures are arranged in a balanced, informal grouping. One woman holds a fan, a common accessory for cooling oneself during the humid Japanese summer. Beside them, a young boy carries a stack of lanterns, suggesting the approach of nightfall or a festival atmosphere. The inclusion of a small dog near the base of a large sign adds a touch of domestic realism to the scene. The print utilises a limited palette, typical of the period, with soft tones that complement the gentle subject matter. The text integrated into the composition provides context, identifying the series and the specific location, which was a popular destination for residents of Edo seeking relief from the heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKitao Masanobu was a pupil of Kitao Shigemasa and became a significant figure in the development of the bijin-ga genre, which focused on the depiction of beautiful women. His work often reflects the sophisticated urban culture of Edo, prioritising the elegance of dress and posture. This print serves as a record of the social customs of the time, documenting the intersection of public space and private relaxation. The clarity of the line work and the deliberate placement of the figures demonstrate the technical precision of the woodblock printing process during this era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/jo-and-uba-of-takasago-looking-at-the-rising-sun-totoya-hokkei\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eJo and Uba of Takasago Looking at the Rising Sun - Totoya Hokkei — Totoya Hokkei\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/frolicking-figures-and-animals-kawanabe-kyosai\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eFrolicking Figures and Animals - Kawanabe Kyōsai — Kawanabe Kyōsai\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Santō Kyōden","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58959415837007,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58960434626895,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58960434659663,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58960434692431,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58960434725199,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58960434757967,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58960434790735,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58960434823503,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58960434856271,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58960434889039,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58960434921807,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58960434954575,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Enjoying-the-Evening-Cool-in-Hirokoji_Poster_CompositorV1_1790746648360.jpg?v=1790748419"},{"product_id":"ichikawa-monnosuke-ii-as-haya-no-kanpei-kitao-masanobu","title":"Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Haya no Kanpei - Kitao Masanobu","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Kitao Masanobu, capturing the kabuki actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II in a dramatic stage pose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Kitao Masanobu depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II in the role of Haya no Kanpei. The scene is drawn from the play Chushingura Nagori no Kura, a variation on the famous tale of the forty-seven ronin. Masanobu, who was also a writer of fiction under the name Santo Kyoden, captures the actor in a characteristic pose, known as a mie, which serves to heighten the dramatic tension of the performance. The actor wears a kimono featuring a geometric diamond pattern, rendered with precision. His posture is wide and grounded, reflecting the physical demands of the kabuki stage. The background is simplified, using muted tones to ensure the focus remains on the figure of the actor. The print is a fine example of yakusha-e, or actor prints, which were popular among the urban population of Edo-period Japan. These prints functioned as both promotional material for theatre productions and as collectable items for fans of specific performers. The line work is clean and deliberate, typical of the refined style Masanobu developed during his career as a print designer. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft pinks, blues, and earthy yellows to define the costume and the surrounding environment. The composition is balanced, with the actor positioned centrally to command the viewer's attention. This work provides a glimpse into the aesthetic conventions of the late eighteenth century, where the worlds of literature, theatre, and visual art intersected. The print demonstrates the technical skill required to produce multi-coloured woodblock images, involving the coordination of artists, carvers, and printers to achieve the final result.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/jo-and-uba-of-takasago-looking-at-the-rising-sun-totoya-hokkei\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eJo and Uba of Takasago Looking at the Rising Sun - Totoya Hokkei — Totoya Hokkei\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/frolicking-figures-and-animals-kawanabe-kyosai\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eFrolicking Figures and Animals - Kawanabe Kyōsai — Kawanabe Kyōsai\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Kitao Masanobu","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58959634301263,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58960441573711,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58960441606479,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58960441639247,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58960441672015,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58960441704783,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58960441737551,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58960441770319,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58960441803087,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58960441835855,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58960441868623,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58960441901391,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Ichikawa-Monnosuke-II-as-Haya-no-Kanpei_Poster_CompositorV1_1790746709854.jpg?v=1790748914"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/de\/collections\/santo-kyoden.oembed","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}