The risky pictures in shunga, also called abuna-e, were one of the specialties of the multi-talented Japanese artist Keisai Eisen (1790-1848). These kind of images are characterized by a more evocative atmosphere with the couples (mainly courtesans and their secret lovers) depicted just after or before their love-making.
‘Cleaning private parts‘ (c.1820s) from the series ‘Masukagami (Clear Mirror)‘
A fascinating post-coital scene with a geisha wiping her genital area while holding a pack of tissues in her mouth.
‘Courtesan and young lover‘ (c.1820s) from the series ‘Masukagami (Clear Mirror)‘ by Keisai Eisen
A gaudy risky picture portraying a dominant courtesan and her inept adolescent lover.
‘Couple on a pleasure-boat‘ (c.1820s) from the series ‘Masukagami (Clear Mirror)‘ by Keisai Eisen
Abuna-e scene set on a pleasure boat with a geisha and her client. After the deed, she is washing her hands in the river.
‘Complicated conversation‘ (c.1820s) from the series ‘Masukagami (Clear Mirror)‘ by Keisai Eisen
This risky picture depicts a courtesan and client having an uneasy conversation. You can find an earlier post on this design with a partial translation of their intriguing dialogue by clicking HERE…!!!
‘Complex love affair ‘ (c.1820s) by Keisai Eisen
Click HERE for another lovely risky picture by the master of this genre…!!!
