Erotic Scene in a Brothel (Shunga)
Japanese Woodblock Print (Ukiyo-e), polychrome print on washi paper • Attributed to the School of Utagawa or Kitagawa Utamaro; likely a follower or a 19th-century workshop specializing in Shunga.
Style & Movement
Ukiyo-e, specifically Shunga (erotic art/spring pictures).
Medium & Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e) with colored vegetable dyes. Features black ink (sumi) outlines and manual alignment (kento) printing.
Creation Period
Late Edo Period (c. 1800-1850)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 37 cm; Oban size, landscape format.
Subject Description
A complex multi-figure erotic scene depicting several couples and attendants in a domestic interior. The composition focuses on entangled bodies, exaggerated anatomical features, and elaborate kimono patterns, common in Edo-period clandestine erotica.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Poor. The print shows significant age-related deterioration.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Acquired as a gift from a Japanese private owner. Likely part of a larger album (shunga-bon) or series that has been separated and mounted.
Art Historical Significance
Shunga prints were ubiquitous but technically illegal during the Edo period. They represent a significant portion of the Ukiyo-e trade, reflecting the 'Floating World' subculture and social freedoms of the urban merchant class.
Notable Features
Intricate textile patterns (kimono details) and the multi-figure composition which suggests a high-end production despite the current poor condition. The presence of 'kage-e' (shadow/hidden) elements in the background.
Condition Issues
Severe lateral water staining on the right-hand side of the mount and print. Generalized foxing (brown spotting), paper toning/yellowing, and evidence of previous trimming. The colors have faded significantly from light exposure.
Conservation Recommendations
Requires professional deacidification and cleaning by a paper conservator. Should be removed from the current acidic mount. Must be kept in a low-UV environment (sub-50 lux) to prevent further fading.
Collector Notes
Gifted to me by a Japanese lady