Amusing Meiji Era Handscroll with 12 Unusual Erotic Scenes

10/28/2020

3 min

An amusing shunga scroll from the early 1900s with unusual erotic scenes without displaying intercourse. The artist’s obvious talent is reflected in his sense of humor, accurate facial expressions, and eye for detail.

Fig.1.

Judoka

Female judoka holding her male opponent in an arm lock.

Fig.2.

Bobtail

A lady is caressing her breasts while a Japanese black and white bobtail (Kuniyoshi’s favorite cat!) jumps on her lap.

Fig.3.

Tattoo

A woman bites a cloth during a tattoo session

Fig.4.

Crown

A young woman licks the crown of an amused old man.

Fig.5.

Ama

An underwater scene depicting an ama diver diving for pearl oysters.

Fig.6.

Incense Balls

A male and female laborer kneading incense balls. The female is exposing her moistened private parts. These “incense” balls were used for the Japanese tea ceremony or incense ceremony. They were blended, kneaded, and buried underground in ceramic pots. Then, these pots were set aside to ripen for several years. The balls are sweet and have a creamy scent. They are heated using charcoal or a compact wood chip heater.

the ear hair trimming of an aroused male

Fig.7.

Under the Belt

A young female is trimming the inside of her male lover’s ear. The woman’s attention has also created some excitement under the man’s belt.

attractive boatswoman and male passengers

Fig.8.

Ferry Boat

A varied male company is carried across a river in a ferry boat (Yane-bune). During the crossing their attention is drawn to the attractive female boat driver.

a geisha making music for an eating client and a cat

Fig.9.

Amused Cat

An atmospheric painting with a geisha entertaining a client with her shamisen during supper. The long shadows emphasize the intimacy of the affair, while the cat, who turns to us in amusement, provides the comic relief.