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 - Beautiful diptych illustrating the origins of the Tanabata Festival, which takes place when the constellations of the Weaver Maiden and Herdsboy cross in the sky and meet briefly. This unusual erotic interpretation of this scene is incredibly rare - we've never seen it before. The weaving Princess Ori-hime looks back over her shoulder, a cloth draped around her as the herdsboy reaches out towards her. The lovers were separated by the Milky Way and were said to only meet once a year on the 7th day of the 7th month. The pair are drawn against a sky of mica embellished stars and a crescent moon. A beautiful print and an excellent choice for a collector.

Artist - After Tomioka Eisen (1864 - 1905)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 4 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - In excellent condition overall. Two separate panels. Some stitching holes at inner seam. A few light spots, some minor soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.