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 lovely comic shunga print depicting the mischievious voyeur Mane'emon in watching a courtesan assault her unfaithful lover while another courtesan applies her makeup nearby. Mane'emon sits in the foreground, scratching his head as the drama unfolds. This print is from the second volume of this series which was set entirely in the Yoshiwara.

Artist - Harunobu (1724 - 1770)

Image Size - 11 1/4" x 7 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail. A vertical crease at center. Backed with old paper. Some light rubbing and soiling. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.