Voyeurism is a common theme in shunga, and appears in many variations. Men and women spying on couples from behind a screen, sliding doors, fences, windows, or through holes in the wall.
Girl Voyeur
In this design Harunobu (1724-1770) depicts a graceful indoor scene with a bashful boy seduced by an experienced woman who encourages him to loosen his sash. They are observed by a girl voyeur seated by a partially opened sliding door.
‘Shy boy, experienced lady and girl voyeur‘ (c.1768) by Suzuki Harunobu (Picture MFA Boston)
Clock
The landscape in the background folding screen distinctly includes Harunobu’s signature, since this is probably the opening sheet for an erotic album of twelve scenes. Before the screen stands a lantern clock.
Click HERE for other striking examples of Harunobu’s important shunga art…!!!
Source: ‘Erotic Japonisme: The Influence of Japanese Sexual Imagery on Western Art‘ by Ricard Bru
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