Comic Shunga Print, ca 1890's

by After Kyosai

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Comic Shunga Print, ca 1890's by After Kyosai

Original After Kyosai Japanese Woodblock Print
Comic Shunga Print, ca 1890's

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.

Comments - A terrific print from a series of comic shunga designs inspired by Kyosai. While still shunga in name, the absurd and comic elements in these depictions of sex subvert much of the eroticism inherent in the designs. This is a rare and fascinating group for collectors to shop from.

Artist - After Kyosai

Image Size - 10" x 4 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail. Somewhat curled. A few light creases. Some faint toning at edges, a few minor spots. Backed with old paper. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Comic Shunga Print, ca 1890's by After Kyosai
Comic Shunga Print, ca 1890's by After Kyosai

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