![Japanese Shunga Surimono Depicting the Collection of Vaginal Fluid](https://media-01.imu.nl/storage/shungagallery.com/2236/japanese-shunga-1-1050x420.jpg)
In this probably unique and distinguishing Japanese shunga surimono (commissioned print) shunga design by Yanagawa Shigenobu portrays his sensual participants, a European couple, as godlike figures (the female is stunningly beautiful) set in a celestial setting.
Vaginal Fluids
Underneath the genitals of the woman vaginal fluids are collected on a plate. The inevitable incense burner(*) on a small table in the background.
![](https://shungagallery.com/wp/../wp-content/upload_folders/shungagallery.com/000-28.jpg)
Fig.1. Surimono featuring a ‘Western Couple‘ (c.1830) by Yanagawa Shigenobu (1787-1833)
This specific print is depicted in the book ‘Strangers in Paradise‘ by Dr.Richard Lane. On p.122 (see Fig.2.) it is juxtaposed against a lithograph by Picasso (dated 1963), which is inspired on Shigenobu.
![japanese shunga](https://shungagallery.com/wp/../wp-content/upload_folders/shungagallery.com/00000-31.jpg)
Fig.2. (p.122 ‘Strangers in Paradise‘ by Dr.Richard Lane)
![japanese shunga](https://shungagallery.com/wp/../wp-content/upload_folders/shungagallery.com/0000-28.jpg)
Fig.3. (p.71 in ‘Strangers in Paradise‘ by Dr.Richard Lane)
![Japanese shunga Jaoanese shunga](https://media-01.imu.nl/storage/shungagallery.com/2236/japanese-shunga-927x705.jpg)
Fig.4. ‘Dutchman with Nagasaki geisha‘ (c.1823) attributed to Yanagawa Shigenobu
![Japanese shunga Japanese shunga](https://media-01.imu.nl/storage/shungagallery.com/2236/japanese-shunga-2-650x441.jpg)
Fig.5. Oban-sized print ‘Odd foreigner making love to a Japanese female seamstress‘ (c. 1820) from the album ‘Koi no harizuki‘ by Hokusai school
![Japanese shunga Japanese shunga](https://media-01.imu.nl/storage/shungagallery.com/2236/japanese-shunga-4-966x630.jpg)
Fig.6. ‘Intercourse close-up designs of a foreign couple (l) and foreign couple tongue-kissing (r)‘ (c.1783) from the series ‘Kabumakura‘ by a pupil of the Utamaro school
![Japanese shunga Japanese shunga](https://media-01.imu.nl/storage/shungagallery.com/2236/japanese-shunga-5-336x718.jpg)
Fig.7. ‘Dutch intimate couple‘ (c.1820s) from the series ‘Kaidan hyakubobo-gatari‘ by Keisai Eisen
![Japanese shunga with intimate foreigner on a boat Japanese shunga with intimate foreigner on a boat](https://shungagallery.com/wp/../wp-content/upload_folders/shungagallery.com/Westerners-16.jpg)
Fig.8. Egoyomi featuring ‘Dutchman and a Japanese courtesan on a sail boat (probably a VOC ship)‘ (c.1820) attributed to Keisai Eisen (1790-1848)
Click HERE for another Japanese shunga design by Shigenobu on a similar subject with an outrageous Chinese couple!
Click HERE for other shunga designs that inspired Picasso!
*Incense burners were frequently added when foreign couples were depicted. In Japanese/Nagasaki society it was whispered that these exotic foreigners were rather “smelly”.
What is your favorite subject in shunga (such as foreigners, gay (male-male), lesbian, tattoo, bathhouse…etc.)? Leave your reaction in the comment box below…!!