Utsusemi
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Utagawa or Ando Hiroshige's Utsusemi 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
Utsusemi by Utagawa Hiroshige (often mistaken as Ando Hiroshige - his later name) is a masterful woodblock print from Japan's Edo period, encapsulating the fleeting beauty of nature through the ukiyo-e tradition. The artwork depicts a cicada's translucent wings resting on a leaf, rendered with exquisite delicacy that embodies mono no aware - the aesthetic of ephemeral beauty. Created during Hiroshige's mature period (1830s-1850s), this piece exemplifies his transition from landscapes to intimate kacho-e (flower-and-bird pictures), showcasing unprecedented technical precision in portraying nature's minutiae. The pale greens and browns create a meditative harmony, while the asymmetric composition reveals Hiroshige's debt to Chinese Song dynasty painting. As one of only 30 surviving works from Hiroshige's rare natural history series, it represents a pivotal moment when ukiyo-e evolved from popular entertainment to high art, influencing later movements like Japonisme and Art Nouveau.
For contemporary spaces, this artwork shines best in minimalist or Japandi interiors where its delicate lines can breathe. Hang it in a study or meditation room with at least 2 meters of clearance to appreciate its intricate details - ideally matted in pale washi paper and framed in slim black walnut. The 39×26cm original size works beautifully above a low console table, while larger reproductions (up to 80cm wide) can anchor a tatami room when paired with olive-green textiles. Complement its muted palette with rough-linen curtains and ceramic vases in celadon glaze. In offices, position it opposite floor-to-ceiling windows to create poetic light interplay mimicking shoji screens, or pair with Eames Shell chairs for a refined East-meets-West aesthetic. Avoid busy patterns nearby; let the cicada's fragile wings remain the silent protagonist of your space.
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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.
