In the very last phase of the shunga production and also afterwards, the images acquired an increasingly cartoonish character, which eventually resulted in hentai (perversion). A nice example of this transition is the Japanese erotic album below.
Cartoonesque
It was produced in the late Taisho era (c.1920/30) and consists of 14 humorous paintings drawn in a smooth “cartoonesque” style. The figures are depicted in erotic encounters during everyday activities with minimal detail to the settings (often only one object!). The shadow effects give an extra dynamic.
‘A male lover lights the cigarette of his “chain-smoking” spouse during their love-making‘
‘A Buddhist monk performs cunnilingus on a female colleague‘
‘Completely nude male wearing glasses performing cunnilingus on a nude female leaning back on a geisha pillow‘
‘Older bald-headed male penetrating a young excited girl‘
‘An older male having sex with a flirting younger woman while sitting on a table. They are clearly tipsy as indicated by their facial expressions and the liquor bottle on the floor‘
‘Delightful scene with a couple is multi-tasking during intercourse. The electric fan is an amusing detail ! ‘
‘Couple making love while sitting in a narrow bathtub. An amusing detail is the soap bag hanging on the tap‘
‘Frivolous woman sitting on top of an amused older male sporting a moustache‘
‘An insatiable woman shows her dissatisfaction with the intimate performances of her partner‘
‘Couple in an erotic wrestling match‘
‘Couple making love outside underneath a tree during a hot summer afternoon‘
‘During his love-making a man tries to fight the mosquitoes with all his might using a fan. The shunga designs in ukiyo-e history and is the first tableau of Chõkyõsai Eiri’s acclaimed Models of Calligraphy -series, which was published New Year 1801. .." data-featured-image="https://media-01.imu.nl/storage/shungagallery.com/2236/wp/129-Mark-Rothko-Nr.6-1.jpg" class="smart-content-link sc-link" href="https://shungagallery.com/chokyosai-eiri/">incense burner on the right is there for the same purpose.‘
‘An amusing beach scene with an embarrassed man who can not hide is erection when the woman next to him takes off her clothes.’
‘A bespectacled commoner keenly observes his naked wife playing with herself lying in the armchair‘
Click HERE for another erotic album from the Taisho era with woodblock prints depicting sensual encounters…!!!
Or HERE for more funny images from the same era…!!
Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below. What appeals to you in shunga?
