A middle-aged samurai sharing an intimate moment with a young boy in an interior setting. As I mentioned in earlier posts homosexuality was not uncommon in Japan and depictions of this ‘male-male intercourse’ (nanshoku) occured regularly in shunga as well. Like the many girls in the pleasure quarters, boys could also be bought for sex.
‘Gay encounter between a samurai and an adolescent boy‘ (c.1770-71) from an untitled series by Isoda Koryusai
Wisteria
The sliding doors facing the veranda are open, and a pine tree and wisteria can be seen in the garden, as can a hollow tree trunk which serves as water basin. The presence of wisteria is an indication of spring. A low writing table with books and a small flower arrangement on it have been included in the background, with the man’s sword in the background.
Click HERE for more enticing nanshoku art…!!
Source: ‘Japanese erotic prints: Shunga by Harunobu & Koryusai‘ by Inge Klompmakers
