Rare Oban Shunga, ca. 1820

by Katsushika Oi

Current Status

Rare Oban Shunga, ca. 1820 by Katsushika Oi

Original Katsushika Oi Japanese Woodblock Print
Rare Oban Shunga, ca. 1820

A Student of Hokusai - unlike any other - Based on the style, color, linework, and style of illustration, these beautiful full oban shunga designs could easily be assumed to be the work of Hokusai. However, these prints were produced by his daughter, Katsushika Oi. She worked as a production assistant to him and also created art of her own, though her prints are rarely seen. Of her work, Hokusai himself was rumored to have said "The bijin-ga I paint myself are no match for Oi's".

A Unique Perspective in Erotica - While her shunga mirror her father's in many ways, Oi has the distinction of being a female artist in a field whose vision had always been driven by the perspectives and fantasies of male artists. Her work maintains the conventions of the form, the form is subtly shifted by the creation originating from a female perspective.

Fascinating for both her parentage and her unique place in the shunga tradition, this is the first time we have ever seen these shunga designs and we would not expect to see them again. This is an incredible opportunity for a serious collector.

Artist - Katsushika Oi

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 10"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. A vertical crease at center. Some toning as shown. Some soiling and stains. A couple small holes. Paper remnants on reverse. Please see photos for details.

Rare Oban Shunga, ca. 1820 by Katsushika Oi
Rare Oban Shunga, ca. 1820 by Katsushika Oi

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