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 fine original print from a Shuncho series of shunga prints dating to the 18th century. Please note that shunga prints were rarely signed, and were not signed in the Edo Era, as is the case here. A truly exceptional print and an excellent choice for a shunga collector.

Artist - Shuncho (active circa 1780 - 1795)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 9 3/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Backed with old paper. Some wrinkling, creasing, soiling, staining and toning as shown. A few small holes and losses repaired. Please see photos for details.