The Japanese artist Utagawa Kunimori I (act. ca. 1818-1843) was a pupil of Toyokuni II and a member of the Utagawa school. He was a talented follower of the typical Utagawa style but never reached the upper echelon of ukiyo-e artists.
The design below shows his eye for detail:
‘Lovely threesome‘ (c.1830s) by Utagawa Kunimori (active ca. 1818 -1843)
An attractive shunga with a couple making fun of their female bed partner who fell asleep. She is still holding the fan, she used to cool off from the heat.
Kintaro (Golden Boy)
The folding screen behind them features a painting with the legendary Kintaro (aka. Golden Boy). He has attached his cow to the tree and is climbing into it. From where is at he seems to observe the activities in the bedroom.
Manga Strips
In Japanese culture, Kintaro is a popular child folk hero who embodies strength and courage. He appears in sculptures, storybooks, animation, manga strips, and in the noh and kabuki theatre. He was also a beloved subject of countless ukiyo-e prints.
‘Ecstatic couple with Kintaro, the Golden Boy on the screen in the background‘ (c.1850) from the series
‘Shunka Otogi Bunko‘ by Utagawa Kunimori
Supernatural Strength
According to legend Kintaro was raised by a mountain hag on Mount Ashigar. There he learned to communicate with animals. As a child, Kintaro developed supernatural strength which enabled him to fight monsters and demons, demolish trees and boulders, and overthrowing bears during sumo wrestling matches.
Kunimori’s colleague Kuniyoshi produced an extensive collection of print designs centered around Kintaro.
