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 - Styling his own art after the late work of Utamaro, he studied under his own father, a kano style painter. The majority of his print work was bijin-ga, but he dabbled in shunga as did most of the ukiyo-e artists of his time. As is typical of Eizan, his design reflects his focus on the richness and sumptuousness of fabrics and decor.

Artist - Eizan (1787 - 1867)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 5/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. A vertical crease at center. A number of small holes, a few wormholes repaired. Some rubbing, soiling and wrinkling. A few spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.