Mi No Koku. L'Heure Du Serpent
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Kitagawa Utamaro's Mi No Koku. L'Heure Du Serpent into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.
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Original Description
Kitagawa Utamaro’s Mi No Koku. L'Heure Du Serpent is a mesmerizing ukiyo-e woodblock print that captures the elegance and quiet intimacy of Edo-period Japan. Created around 1794–95, it belongs to Utamaro’s celebrated series Twelve Hours of the Green Houses (Seirō jūnitoki), depicting the daily rhythms of courtesans in Yoshiwara’s pleasure quarters. The title references the "Hour of the Snake" (9–11 AM), a time of languid repose. Utamaro’s masterful use of delicate lines, soft gradients (like bokashi shading), and refined compositions epitomizes the bijinga (beautiful women) genre, showcasing his genius in rendering subtle emotions and textures—from flowing kimono patterns to tender expressions. As a pioneer of psychological portraiture in ukiyo-e, Utamaro elevated the genre beyond mere entertainment, influencing Western Impressionists like Degas and leaving an indelible mark on art history. This print, with its poetic quietude and timeless grace, remains a cornerstone of Japanese visual culture.
For a sophisticated interior, this artwork thrives in a minimalist or Zen-inspired space. Frame it traditionally with a slim black or warm wood border to honor its heritage, or opt for a floating frame for a contemporary twist. Ideal for a study, lounge, or serene office nook, its muted ochres, soft pinks, and slate blues pair beautifully with neutral tones—think taupe walls or flax linen textiles. A moderate size (e.g., 40x60 cm) ensures visibility without overwhelming, while strategic lighting (warm LED or natural sidelight) enhances its delicate details. Complement it with sparse, organic décor: a single ikebana arrangement, a low-profile console, or woven tatami mats. Avoid busy patterns; let Utamaro’s artistry command attention as a focal point of refined tranquility.
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Lead Time & Shipping
When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.
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Return & Refund
We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.
