The Hour of the Monkey
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Kitagawa Utamaro's The Hour of the Monkey 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 The Hour of the Monkey (c. 1798–1801) is a mesmerizing ukiyo-e woodblock print that captures the elegance and intimacy of Edo-period Japan’s "beauty portraits" (bijinga). Depicting a refined courtesan adjusting her hairpin during the Hour of the Monkey (3–5 PM), the work exudes quiet sophistication through Utamaro’s masterful linework and delicate color palette—soft apricot hues, muted greens, and translucent whites. His innovative use of okubi-e (large-head portraits) draws focus to subtle expressions, transforming a mundane moment into poetic introspection. As a pinnacle of ukiyo-e artistry, Utamaro’s prints revolutionized depictions of women, emphasizing psychological depth over mere ornamentation. Today, The Hour of the Monkey stands as a testament to Japan’s floating world (ukiyo) culture and remains influential in global art history, bridging traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern graphic sensibilities.
For interiors, this print shines in minimalist or Japandi-style spaces, where its warm neutrals complement pale woods and textured linen. Frame it in a slim black or natural ashwood border to echo Edo-period simplicity, and place it against a subdued wall (soft gray or beige) to let the delicate colors breathe. Ideal for a study or meditation corner, it pairs well with low-profile furniture and organic materials—think a rattan chair or a ceramic vase. In offices, position it near a reading nook to evoke contemplation; its intimate scale (typical ōban size, ~38×25 cm) suits smaller walls or shelves. For bold contrast, layer it with indigo textiles or a single ikebana arrangement, balancing its tranquility with intentional restraint. Avoid cluttered arrangements—Utamaro’s artistry thrives in quiet focus.
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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.
