In this sixth plate from Hokusai‘s Fukujuso series (c.1822) shows us a merry widow who is enjoying the lovemaking of a younger man, who is probably her shop assistant or adopted son. He wears a black haori cloak, that beautifully contrasts with the white skin of the woman.
Elixirs
Their encounter has been going on for some time, and the exhausted youngster complaints and suggests that they should take a pause. However the lady urges him on to greater sexual efforts. The box with sex devices and elixirs at left would seem to indicate that the lady has a passion for such affairs.
Plate 6 ‘Merry widow and young lover‘ (c.1822) form the series ‘Fukujuso (The Adonis Plant)‘ by Katsushika Hokusai
The sexual passion of Japanese widows was legendary. Click HERE to check out an earlier Hokusai design that also involves an insatiable widow…!!!
Reference: ‘The Complete Ukiyo-e Shunga (Part 23): Fukujuso (Lovemaking at New Year’s)‘ by Richard Lane
