Erotic Scene on Horseback
Shunga (erotic art), Japanese print or painting on paper • Ukiyo-e school, possibly an anonymous artist following the style of Kitagawa Utamaro or Keisai Eisen
Style & Movement
Ukiyo-e (Pictures of the Floating World), specifically Shunga genre
Medium & Technique
Ink and pigments on paper/silk with color washes and fine line work typical of woodblock printing or hand-painting
Creation Period
Late Edo to early Meiji Period (approx. 1850-1900)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 35 cm; Portrait orientation within a landscape-oriented mat
Subject Description
Descriptive erotic scene (Shunga) depicting a couple engaged in a sexual act while riding a dapple-grey horse. The woman wears a blue kimono while the male figure is largely unclothed, showcasing dynamic movement and equine anatomy.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair; visible discoloration and overall browning (toning) of the paper consistent with age
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,200 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Gifted by a Japanese lady; likely originated from a private Japanese collection or estate
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 'Shunga' sub-genre of Japanese art, which historically served as educational material and talismans. Such scenes depicting sexual encounters in difficult or unlikely positions (atop animals or in nature) were a popular trope in Edo-period humor and erotica.
Notable Features
The depiction of the horse includes stylized dapple patterns and green saddle trimmings; the contrast between the detailed linework of the hair and the wash gradients of the background is characteristic of the genre.
Condition Issues
Significant paper foxing and yellowing; minor creasing; potential light-induced fading of pigments (specifically the blue dyes); edges show mat burn
Conservation Recommendations
Acid-free museum-grade matting; UV-protective glass; climate-controlled environment to prevent further foxing/mold; professional deacidification evaluation
Collector Notes
Gifted from a Japanese lady