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 - In the cultural context of shunga, the genitals function as another face - the face of passion and desire. These extreme close up prints of only the genitals came into popularity following Hokusai's use of these types of designs as first designs for his shunga sets.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 5" x 7 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. A few small stitching holes at left. Some spots and stains. Some light soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.