Nowadays one of Kunisada’s most admired works Shunka Shuto shiki no nagame (Spring, Summer, Autum and Winter: Prospects for the Four Seasons) is a superbly printed production, and because of the high costs involved it was most probably commissioned by a wealthy merchant.
Fig.1. ‘Geisha and client on a balcony in the rain‘ (c.1827-29) from the series ‘Shunka Shuto shiki no nagame (Spring, Summer, Autum and Winter: Prospects for the Four Seasons)‘ by Utagawa Kunisada
With and Without Rain
Because of its popularity, this book series was issued several times between 1827-29, and therefore several deviating impressions were produced with varying accents and color pigments. An excellent example of this is the famous scene depicted below, with one impression displaying the rain and an earlier one (first impression) without. It would be interesting to know if Kunisada opted these variations or that it was the decision of the printer.
Thunderstorm
In summer a geisha and her lover are enjoying an assignation in the upper floor of a tea-house. Attracted, and perhaps aroused, by the power of the thunderstorm outside, they have moved on to the balcony to enjoy passionate love-making.
Fig.2. First impression without rain (c.1827)
Intent Gaze
He grabs her tightly around the waist, and although his face is almost hidden, sexual desire can be read clearly in his intent gaze. A powerful dynamic is created by the criss-crossing vertical and diagonal lines of the composition.
Fig.3. Later impression with the scene taking place at night (Source: ‘Сюнга. Откровенное искусство Японии / Shunga. Explicit art of Japan‘, 2016. Authors: A. E. Pushakova, K. G. Danelya)
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Both impressions are available in our gallery shop. You can find them by clicking any of the above images..!!
Which of the three impressions do you prefer?
