Antique Color Shunga - ca. 1850

by Utagawa School

Current Status

Antique Color Shunga - ca. 1850 by Utagawa School

Original Utagawa School Japanese Woodblock Print
Antique Color Shunga - ca. 1850

Shunga - Shunga is a Japanese term for erotic pictures. Some scholars believe that the first shunga were inspired by Chinese medical manuals. Shunga prints grew in popularity in the early 18th century and the production of shunga peaked in the golden age of the print period in the late 19th century. Many ukiyo-e artists did shunga in addition to their normal specialties. The works sold well and, often at higher prices than the normal genre. So, artists had an incentive to delve into the realm of shunga. Often of very high quality and with great sensitivity to the subject, the best artists produced shunga of remarkable beauty. Shunga were rarely signed as collectors in the field know. Some of the noted artists in the field were Moronobu, Hokusai, Shigenobu and the great Utamaro.

Artist - Utagawa School

Image Size - 10 1/4" x 7 3/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two panels attached at seam. A few small losses repaired from reverse. A couple light spots. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Antique Color Shunga - ca. 1850 by Utagawa School
Antique Color Shunga - ca. 1850 by Utagawa School

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