Sensual Hokusai Homage by the Neo Shunga Artist Senju Shunga
18 november 2019 
3 min. read

Sensual Hokusai Homage by the Neo Shunga Artist Senju Shunga

The following three pieces are a sensual homage to the genius of Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), who is the favorite painter of the prolific Swedish artist Senju Shunga (1968). The designs refer to Hokusai’s iconic Fukujuso (The Adonis Plant) series that was issued in various editions between 1818 and 1828.

Leaves and Butterflies

Senju has retained the poses and Hokusai’s characteristic drawing style with the figures almost completely dominating the composition. Instead of the text and the sparing use of objects included in The Adonis Plant series, Senju alternately added leaves and butterflies that seem to fall from the sky like snow. Striking is that the male participant in Senju’s update is bald-headed (probably a Buddhist monk).

Hokusai homage

Egg-shaped

Reference point for this piece is the well-known 12th plate that portrays the “egg-shaped” couple in the 69 pose. The hair of the woman wrapped around the lower leg of the male is a stylistic detail that is quintessential of Senju. Hokusai’s original design can be found on the following page..!

Hokusai homage

Near-acrobatic

The source for this one is Plate 5 from The Adonis Plant with two lovers in a near-acrobatic position. You can check out Hokusai’s tableau by clicking here (it’s Fig.1)

Hokusai homage

Diving Girl

This piece differs most from the Hokusai original that includes a fisherman and diving girl “accompanied” by a richly filled basket of shellfish. You can check out the original design from the Fukujuso series that inspired Senju Shunga on the following page.

Click HERE for more exciting Senju Shunga art…!!

What do you think about this Hokusai homage? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below…!!

About the author
Marijn is the founder of shungagallery.com. With more than 20 years of experience within the sensual and erotic art of shunga he is an authority in the genre. During this time he served many customers with complementing their art collection.
Jens O.
By

Jens O.

on 18 Nov 2019

I love the sparkling use of color (pale pink and white) by Senju.

Marijn
By

Marijn

on 18 Nov 2019

Thanks Jens, I completely agree!

Darya
Marijn
By

Marijn

on 04 Mar 2020

Yes, has the same kind of frivolity!

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