Series; Erotic Illustrations for the Twelve Months, ca 1770

by Koryusai (1735 - 1790)

Current Status

Series; Erotic Illustrations for the Twelve Months, ca 1770 by Koryusai (1735 - 1790)

Original Koryusai (1735 - 1790) Japanese Woodblock Print
Series; Erotic Illustrations for the Twelve Months, ca 1770

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; Erotic Illustrations for the Twelve Months, ca 1770 - This print, from Koryusai's series "Erotic Literature from the Twelve Months" was originally released in small booklets. The prints often feature Koryusai's well-known compositional format of positioning the lovers between pairs of parallel diagonal lines. These lines are often edges of screens, futons, walls, or the edges of an alcove. A terrific example of Koryusai's work and an excellent chance to own an early shunga masterwork - bid now!

Artist - Koryusai (1735 - 1790)

Image Size - 5 1/2" x 3 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some toning or spotting as shown. Some rubbing and soiling. Slightly curled. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Series; Erotic Illustrations for the Twelve Months, ca 1770 by Koryusai (1735 - 1790)
Series; Erotic Illustrations for the Twelve Months, ca 1770 by Koryusai (1735 - 1790)

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