/category/shunga/
Attributed to Sugimura JIHEI (Active c. 1681-1703)
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A large-size hand-coloured print showing a couple in flagrante delicto from an untitled set of twelve prints published by Hangiya Chojiro, c. 1685. (There were in fact two alternative designs added making a total of fourteen sheets.) Most reference works give this set to Moronobu. However, Timothy Clark, in the British Museum exhibition catalogue: Shunga, sex and pleasure in Japanese art, 2013, pp. 128-131 attributes the set to Jihei stating that “…this group of prints is one of the most glorious to have survived from the early period of ukiyo-e.”
Very good impression. Fine hand-colouring. Minor imperfections and signs of mounting au verso, but all compatible with the age of the print.
Status: Available
Attributed to Sugimura JIHEI (Active c. 1681-1703)
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A large-size hand-coloured print showing a couple in flagrante delicto from an untitled set of twelve prints published by Hangiya Chojiro, c. 1685. (There were in fact two alternative designs added making a total of fourteen sheets.) Most reference works give this set to Moronobu. However, Timothy Clark, in the British Museum exhibition catalogue: Shunga, sex and pleasure in Japanese art, 2013, pp. 128-131 attributes the set to Jihei stating that “…this group of prints is one of the most glorious to have survived from the early period of ukiyo-e.”
Very good impression. Fine hand-colouring. Minor imperfections and signs of mounting au verso, but all compatible with the age of the print.
Status: Available
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
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A large sumizuri-e print from a shunga set of twelve published c. 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto beside a tiger and bamboo screen. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printmaker and illustrator.
Good impression. Minor marks, otherwise good condition.
Status: Available
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694
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A large sumizuri-e print from a shunga set of twelve published c. 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto, the women disturbed while threading a needle. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printmaker and illustrator.
Very good impression. Slight stains at top, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Available
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
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A large sumizuri-e print from a shunga set of twelve published c. 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printmaker and illustrator.
Very good impression. A small wormhole and slight stain, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Available
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
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A large sumizuri-e print from a shunga set of twelve published c. 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printmaker and illustrator.
Very good impression. A small wormhole and slight stain, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Available
Yanagawa SHIGENOBU (1787-1832)
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A European couple in flagrante from a set Yanagi no arashi, “Storm of Willows” published c 1832. This highly unusual shunga print with chiaroscuro modelling is obviously based on imported woodcuts and engravings from Europe. There also exist several other shunga prints showing Dutchmen. See Shunga sex and pleasure in Japanese art, Timothy Clark et al, BM, 2013, no 120, p. 402.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Mica applied to the vulva. The set is unsigned but generally accepted as being by Shigenobu.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
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An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 21, 22, 23, and 24 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
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An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 9, 20, 18, and 19 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
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An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 14, 15, 16, and 17 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
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An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 10, 11, 12 and 13 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
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An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 5, 6, 7, and 8 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
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An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 1, 2, 3, and 4 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Suzuki HARUNOBU (1724-1770)
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A wonderful chuban shunga print showing a young suitor leaning across an engawa and interrupting a beauty playing a shamisen by partially lifting her robe. They are surrounded by flowering bushes and a meandering stream. A rare design I cannot, at the moment, locate being illustrated. Published c. late 1760s.
Very fine impression on thick hosho. Extremely fine colour. Slight oxidation, otherwise fine condition.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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A matron with lover. A shunga sheet from the extremely rare de-luxe edition of the Fukujuso, “The Adonis Plant.” The blocks were re-carved, the text deleted, a mica ground added, and sumptuous hand-colouring applied and was renamed Nami chidori, “Plovers Above the Waves.” This was a costly exercise and was obviously directed at a few wealthy clients. Hokusai’s best shunga set with large figures often completely filling the space. Published c 1820. Another example illustrated in Richard Lane, Hokusai, Life And Work, Barrie & Jenkins, 1989, no. 224, p. 168.
Fine impression. Wonderful fresh carefully hand-applied colour with mica ground. Album backing. Centre fold (as usual) and slight soil to corner. But otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYONOBU I (1664-1729)
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A large sumi oban showing a couple in flagrante. These prints were normally issued in sets of twelve and would only have had the signature on the first sheet. Published c 1704-1711. Provenance: Ex Kiyoshi Shibui collection.
Very good impression. Slight edge soil and centre fold with small pin holes, but generally good condition considering the age.
Status: Sold
Suzuki HARUNOBU (1724-1770)
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A chuban shunga print showing the occupant of a kago in flagrante with one of the porters, having seized the opportunity of a stop on the journey. Published late 1760s. Rare.
Very fine impression on thick hosho: The outlines raised in certain areas. Fine colour and condition.
Status: Sold
Suzuki HARUNOBU (1724-1770)
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A couple in flagrante on an open engawa which has a large bowl of goldfish. There were many attempts by the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1868) to suppress shunga with edicts issued in 1661, 1722 and the 1790s. None of these were particularly effective and production usually resumed with most Ukiyo-e artists producing shunga prints, books or paintings. Published c. 1768. Unsigned as often with these shunga prints.
Superb impression. Fine, unfaded colour. Fine condition.
Status: Sold
Okumura MASANOBU (1686-1764)
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The Fourth Month, Shibumukute toshimano mumami jukushi kaki, “Well Aged and Ripe Persimmon” from a set of 12 shunga prints Someiro no yama, Neya no hinagata, “Mountains of Dyed Colours, Patterns for the Bedroom.” One of the finest shunga sets; of large size and beautifully hand coloured. Published c. 1740. Others from the set are illustrated in Tim Clark, Shunga: Sex and Pleasure in Japanese Art, BM, 2013, p. 147-151. Masanobu is one of the most important figures in Ukiyo-e being the proprietor of a shop but also a publisher, an illustrator of books, print publisher, painter, and inventor of the hashira-e and uki-e as well as being at the forefront of advancements in colour printing. Rare.
Very good impression, colour and condition.
Status: Sold
Okumura MASANOBU (1686-1764)
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The fifth month from a set of twelve prints Someiro no yama: Neya no hinagata, “Mountains of Dyed Colours: Patterns for the Bedroom.” A haiku poem relating to the time of year on each design. Published c. 1740. Shows a couple in flagrante in a room with sliding doors painted with images of Mount Fuji and the poet Ariwara no Narihira admiring the mountain. One of the great Shunga sets with fine contemporary hand-colouring: The careful colouring on impressions from this set was obviously carried out by skilled artisans and is exceptional with the sumi screens being almost painterly: Colouring is often later on early shunga prints, and even if contemporary can be slipshod. Masanobu was a great innovator, developing new formats and technical advances. Unidentified collector’s seal bottom left. Rare.
Very good impression. Slight weakening along laid lines, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Okumura MASANOBU (1686-1764)
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A design from a set of twelve prints Someiro no yama: Neya no hinagata, “Mountains of Dyed Colours: Patterns for the Bedroom.” A haiku poem relating to the time of year on each design. Published c 1740. Shows a couple in flagrante in a room with a free-standing screen and a view outside of an engawa and garden with a stone water cistern. One of the great Shunga sets with fine contemporary hand-colouring: The careful colouring on impressions from this set was obviously carried out by skilled artisans and is exceptional with the sumi screen being almost painterly: Colouring is often later on early shunga prints, and even if contemporary can be slipshod. Masanobu was a great innovator, developing new formats and technical advances. Unidentified collector’s seal bottom right. A beautiful design. Rare.
Very good impression and condition.
Status: Sold
The KANBUN MASTER (Fl. c. 1660-1673)
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A large, 11.5 x 16.75 in; 29.25 x 42.5 cms, sumi print showing a courtesan with her client. These are the earliest known ukiyo-e prints with no known book, painting or print being signed. The nomenclature was given by Dr. Richard Lane because the artist worked almost entirely during the Kanbun Period (1661-1673). There is some debate as to whether all the books and prints are by the same hand, rather than by several or more individuals. However, Dr. Lane – who was the pre-eminent authority on shunga – saw a consistency in the style of drawing. Extremely rare.
Very good impression. Some slight soil, but in remarkably good condition given the date.
Status: Sold
Sugimura JIHEI (Acitive c. 1681-1703)
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A shunga print showing a samurai (his swords lying outside the screen) having sexual intercourse with a courtesan from a set of twelve such prints published mid 1680s. Jihei was the most impressive of Moronobu’s followers and seems to have specialised in shunga, often surpassing Moronobu. (Indeed, Jihei’s work was attributed to Moronobu for a long time.) Hand coloured, although probably not from the period but still with considerable age. Extremely rare.
Fine impression. Very good condition.
Status: Sold
Suzuki HARUNOBU (1724-1770)
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A chuban shunga print showing a fisherman taking advantage of a young girl on a boat on the Sumida River. The couple are hidden behind a four-armed scoop-net called a yotsude-ami which was used to catch whitebait in the spring. The British Museum copy (OA+,O.125) gives the location as most probably being at Mitsumata, between Eitai and Shin’o bridges, based on what looks like Lord Tayasu’s residence in the background. Another impression is illustrated in Shunga, Marco Fagioli, Octavo, 1997, no. 23, p.45. Published late 1760s. Rare.
Very good impression. Some slight fading, otherwise good condition.
Status: Sold
Hishikawa MORONOBU (c. 1618-1694)
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The father of Ukiyo-e and the first to design single-sheet prints. Illustrated numerous books and produced a considerable number of paintings. A good proportion of his output was in the form of shunga. The print here is, arguably, from his finest shunga album. A set of 12 prints, although it is known in two versions with two alternative designs making a total of 14 sheets. For one complete set see Shunga The Art Of Love In Japan, Tom and Mary Evans, Paddington Press, 1975, Illus. 5.10-5,21. Rare.
Very good impression. Original hand-colouring. Minor marks and signs of mounting au verso, but otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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One sheet from a shunga set of 12 prints Ehon tsuhi no hinagata, “Patterns of Loving Couples.” Published 1814. The series title is a play on words. Tsuhi can be read as “couple” or “male and female pairs” or it can be pronounced tsubi, an old term for vulva.
Very good impression and colour. Slight soil and the usual slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Okumura MASANOBU (1686-1764)
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Shogatsu, “First Month” from a shunga set Someiro no yama neya no hinagata, “Mountains of Dyed Colours, Examples for the Bedroom.” Shows a New Year scene with the master of an opulent household enjoying the holiday with his wife and a young man of his fancy. The poem alludes to the pleasures of both male-male and male-female sex. Published c 1740. Others from the set are illustrated in Tim Clark, Shunga:Sex and Pleasure in Japanese Art, BM, 2013, pp. 147-151. Masanobu is one of the most important figures in Ukiyo-e being the proprietor of a shop but also a publisher, an illustrator of books, print publisher, painter, and inventor of the hashira-e and uki-e as well as being at the forefront of advancements in colour printing. Rare.
Fine impression. Hand colouring, slightly faded. Minor backed wormage, but otherwise very good condition given the date.
Status: Sold
Attributed to Torii KIYONOBU II (Active 1710s – 1760)
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A sumizuri-e abuna-e sheet from a shunga set published c. late 1710s. MFA has 10 sheets from the set , RES.09.310.1 to .10. They are based on designs by his father, Torii Kiyonobu I.
Fine impression. Fine hand-colouring. Backed (from a scroll), some light soil and minor creasing, all appropriate with date.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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One sheet from a shunga set of 12 prints Ehon tsuhi no hinagata, “Patterns of Loving Couples.” Published 1814. The series title is a play on words. Tsuhi can be read as “couple” or “male and female pairs” or it can be pronounced tsubi, an old term for vulva.
Very good impression and colour. Slight soil and the usual slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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A pair of lovers from the set Keisei higo “The Secret Language of Courtesans.” This fine set of abuna-e (shunga prints that omit any explicit sex – quite literally “risky pictures”) was privately published c 1822-5. The pre-coital coupling is indicated by the wad of tissue slipped into her obi.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. This set employs brass into the printing which is often the cause of the paper degrading and falling out. (Not evident here.) Unsigned as always.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A fine original shunga drawing showing a couple copulating. Probably a preliminary design for an obon illustrated book. Sumi on thin Japanese paper, 7.5 x 10.5 in, 19 x 26.5 cms. A nice example unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An original Kunisada shunga drawing showing a couple having sexual congress. Most likely a preliminary design for a koban print. Sumi on thin Japanese paper lightly attached at edges to an album leaf, 5.25 x 7.25 in, 13.5 x 18.5 cms. Probably intended to be printed four-to-a-sheet. A very good quality drawing, unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An original Kunisada shunga drawing showing an old man ravishing a young woman. Most likely a preliminary design for a koban print. Sumi on thin Japanese paper lightly attached at edges to an album leaf, 5.25 x 7.25 in, 13.5 x 18.5 cms. Probably intended to be printed four-to-a-sheet. A very good quality drawing, unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An original Kunisada shunga drawing showing an old man ravishing a young woman. Most likely a preliminary design for a koban print. Sumi on thin Japanese paper lightly attached at edges to an album leaf, 5.25 x 7.25 in, 13.5 x 18.5 cms. Probably intended to be printed four-to-a-sheet A very good quality drawing, unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka SETTEI (1710-1786)
Four original paintings on silk. An artist who developed a style somewhere between Moronobu and Sukenobu. Well known for his elegant erotica painted with great refinement. Sizes vary from 3.25 in; 5.5 cms. x 12.75 in; 32.5 cms. to 3.25 in; 5.5 cms. x 11.5 in; 29 cms. Full colour and obviously taken from a hand scroll of 12 such paintings. Mounted onto gold-flecked paper. Unsigned.
Status: Sold
Sugimura JIHEI (Fl. c. 1680-1698)
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The most prolific of Moronobu’s pupils and was originally confused with him, but now properly identified as a separate artist. Produced some of the finest erotic designs. A couple in flagrante beneath a sumptuous duvet. Published c. mid 1680’s.
A large oban ( 11in; 27cms x 14.5in; 36.75cms ).
Good impression. Some restorations but generally good condition. Partially hand-coloured. Unsigned ( as usual ).
Status: Sold
Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)
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A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple prior to coitus. Published c. mid 1680s.
Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.
Status: Sold
Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)
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A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple prior to coitus being approached by an attendant. Published c. mid 1680s.
Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.
Status: Sold
Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)
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A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple in flagrante aided by an attendant. Published c. mid 1680s.
Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.
Status: Sold
Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)
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A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple in flagrante, the huge duvet slipping off their bodies. Published c. mid 1680s.
Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.
Status: Sold