Series; The Pillowed Boudoir (Chimpen Shinkeibai), 1839

by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Current Status

Series; The Pillowed Boudoir (Chimpen Shinkeibai), 1839 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Original Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861) Japanese Woodblock Print
Series; The Pillowed Boudoir (Chimpen Shinkeibai), 1839

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.

Series; The Pillowed Boudoir (Chimpen Shinkeibai), 1839 - Chimpen Shinkeibai is a parody on the Chinese erotic novel "Jin Ping Mei" which follows the life of a wealthy and lustful merchant Ximen Qing. The novel was known for both its literary excellence, compared with novels like The Tale of Genji and Donquixote, as well as the focus on erotic escapades. Kuniyoshi's masterful series distinguishes itself with his attentive and expressive illustration of the intertwined figures. His inclusion of disinterested cats in several of the images contrasts his work with that of Hokusai, who often featured animals engaged in intercourse or adding comic commentary to the scenes. A beautiful print and a fantastic opportunity to collect from this rare series.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 10 1/4" x 7 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two panels attached at the seams. Some rubbing and soiling at edges. A couple creases. Backed with old paper. A couple spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Series; The Pillowed Boudoir (Chimpen Shinkeibai), 1839 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)
Series; The Pillowed Boudoir (Chimpen Shinkeibai), 1839 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

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