“The Pillow Book” (ピーター・グリーナウェイの枕草子), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1997, Vivian Wu / Ewan McGregor, B2 Format (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T125

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1997 first Japanese release of The Pillow Book, written and directed by Peter Greenaway. Released in Japan on 19 July 1997, the film combines literature, calligraphy and the human body in a visually elaborate exploration of desire, memory and authorship.

Inspired by Sei Shōnagon’s The Pillow Book, Greenaway’s contemporary story follows Nagiko, played by Vivian Wu, whose childhood memories of her father writing characters on her face shape her relationship with language and intimacy. As an adult, she seeks partners who can unite physical attraction with beautiful writing, eventually becoming an author who uses bodies as the pages of her work.

Ewan McGregor plays Jerome, the translator whose relationship with Nagiko becomes central to the story. Ken Ogata appears as her father, with Yoshi Oida as the publisher. The film’s layered imagery, photographed by Sacha Vierny, combines changing frames, superimposed text and richly contrasting colours. Its selection for Un Certain Regard at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival is reflected in the festival billing along the poster’s lower edge.

The Japanese design captures this visual language through three photographic panels enclosed within a vivid red frame, arranged vertically against a purple background layered with calligraphic marks and enlarged imagery.

The upper photograph shows Nagiko reclining, her body illuminated by pale, flowing script against deep shadows. The middle panel concentrates on the act of writing on skin: a silhouetted figure holds a brush towards a standing nude body, with luminous green light behind them. Below, Vivian Wu and Ewan McGregor share a quiet moment in a bath, introducing a more personal image of the relationship at the heart of the film.

Across the panels, the English title “the pillow book” sweeps diagonally in bright yellow handwriting. Its loose, irregular strokes echo the calligraphy within the photographs, linking the title directly to the film’s central theme.

Large white characters reading 「枕草子」 descend along the upper left, accompanied by 「ピーター・グリーナウェイの」, identifying it as Peter Greenaway’s interpretation. A vertical English credit block continues beneath, balancing the long Japanese promotional line on the opposite side.

The yellow headline reads:

「好きなもの、美しい男の肌　嫌いなもの、美しい男の裏切り」
“Things I love: the skin of a beautiful man. Things I hate: the betrayal of a beautiful man.”

This list-like wording recalls Sei Shōnagon’s observations while introducing the modern film’s concerns with beauty, attraction and betrayal. Ace Pictures distribution credits appear along the bottom.

The combination of purple, scarlet and yellow, intimate photography and expressive lettering makes this a particularly distinctive design for collectors of Peter Greenaway, Ewan McGregor and Japanese arthouse film posters.

Condition: Very Good+ to Excellent. Handling creases, gentle paper undulations and light edge wear are visible, particularly on the reverse and towards the lower portion of the sheet. The front retains vivid colour, clear photographic detail and strong overall display impact. Once framed, this poster will display beautifully.

Please review all photographs, including the front and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

Japanese B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: T125.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

About Japanese B2 posters
Japanese B2 posters typically measure approximately 51 × 73 cm and were widely used for theatrical display. Their combinations of photography, illustration, typography and locally written promotional copy preserve how films were introduced to Japanese audiences.