Series; Sodo no maki (Handscroll for the Sleeve), 1785

by After Kiyonaga

Current Status

Series; Sodo no maki (Handscroll for the Sleeve), 1785 by After Kiyonaga

After Kiyonaga Original hashira-e painting on silk
Series; Sodo no maki (Handscroll for the Sleeve), 1785

Series; Sodo no maki (Handscroll for the Sleeve), 1785 - A beautiful hand-painted study of Kiyonaga's original hashira-e shunga design from Sodo no maki (Handscroll for the Sleeve). This unique series is one of the great masterwork series of the shunga genre and prints from it are exceptionally rare. The series is comprised of twelve designs total; eleven are images of couples lovemaking, the final a more anatomical study. The prints were originally joined end to end in a squat, thick scroll and intended to be stashed away in a flowing kimono sleeve.

The hashira-e or "pillar print" format is highly unusual for shunga designs. The format forced the artist to arrange the couples along the long narrow field of the space. Kiyonaga placed the couples in the pillar print with a sense of flow and movement that is captivating. This series one of his great masterwork designs.

Following the 18th century publication of Kiyonaga's shunga masterwork, a small number of hand-painted copies of the Sodo no maki designs were comissioned for wealthy clients by the original publisher. The painter faithfully copied each of the original twelve designs in a soft, beautiful watercolor pigment on silk. The fine silk was then mounted to a thin sheet and the paintings were attached end to end in the manner of the original handscroll.

Original Edo era paintings of this shunga masterwork are extremely rare and often sought out by collectors. Bid now on these fine original paintings!

Artist - After Kiyonaga

Size - 4 3/4" x 25 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - Beautiful overall with fine color and excellent detail. Lightly curled. The print was backed originally with thin backing paper and retains that backing from end to end mounting for the complete scroll presentation. A few light spots. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.

Series; Sodo no maki (Handscroll for the Sleeve), 1785 by After Kiyonaga
Series; Sodo no maki (Handscroll for the Sleeve), 1785 by After Kiyonaga

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