The extremely rare designs featured below follow the shocking initiation of a kamuro (geisha trainee) at a questionable age for her future activities as a geisha.
Harsh Realities
The artist (probably Koikawa Shozan) of this subversive set really examined the thematic boundaries of the shunga genre at that time. In any case, he didn’t shut his eyes for the harsh realities of the circumstances in the brothels. Shozan did not shy away from controversial subjects, he also designed images depicting necrophilia (which we’ll add in the near future!).
‘Young kamuro reading an erotic book with her “mentor” (c.1860s) from the series ‘Shimizu Tsuya Monogatari‘ attributed to Koikawa Shozan (1821-1907)
Shocking Tale
This series which is called ‘Shimizu Tsuya Monogatari (The Story of Shimizu Tsuya)‘ opens with a suggestive image that takes place in a book bindery in which we are introduced to the two protagonists of this disturbing story. The little girl is reading a shunga book under the watchful eye of her “mentor” while the male and female bookbinder in the background compile the books. The remaining part of this dark tale can be seen in the ensuing images…
‘Kamuro sitting on top‘
The young kamuro is getting on top of her ‘mentor’ and tries to direct his member into her private area .
‘Missionary pose’
The geisha trainee Shimizu Tsuya making love in the missionary pose. Their grimaces betray it is not without difficulty.
‘On top again‘
The young girl is riding her tutor while examining her own activities. Her “teacher” is watching her efforts in a relaxed pose with his hands behind his head.
‘Defloration‘
The defloration of an infant kamuro. Look for the striking facial expressions and the shivering hand of the young girl.
‘Experimenting with a harigata (the storage box lays in the back)‘
An older male uses a harigata (dildo) to measure the private parts of the young geisha trainee. He uses the light of the candle standing next to him to get a better view.
Recently I came across a design, attributed to Kunisada issued some decades earlier, with a similar theme depicting a kamuro and an older mentor or client…
‘An insecure kamuro is deflowered by an older male‘ (c.1830) attributed to Kunisada
Click HERE for another striking design that presents another young girl who gets introduced to the geisha life…!!!
These rare pieces are available for sale in our gallery. You can find them HERE…!!!
