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 - This is a fascinating example of a shunga print produced in the style of Sukenobu over more than 100 years after his death. In Sukenobu's lifetime, the only full color shunga produced were paintings. The development of full color printing came after his time. The style of drawing fits with Sukenobu, it could not have been produced during his lifetime, and it was also clearly printed in the 19th century. This is a very interesting print - we've never seen something like it before - a great choice for a collector.

Artist - After Sukenobu

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 8 5/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. A vertical crease at center. Some rubbing and soiling. Please see photos for details.