Shunga Statue of Keisai Eisen's "Harbor" Scene by Joscha Bender
A couple of years ago, we sold this lovely Keisai Eisen piece that depicts an intimate couple at a quay in the harbor. The print comes from Eisen’s series ‘Konote gashiwa (Two Aspects of Love/ Child’s-hand Oak)‘, issued around 1836. The client was the German artist Joscha Bender who is both a sculptor and a shunga fan. Over the years, he became increasingly intrigued by the design that it eventually resulted in a beautiful statue of the passionate couple.
I asked the artist about his motivation and this was his reply:
“I bought the “Harbor” Scene by Eisen out of two reasons. First the content displays a desire of mine. I made my sailing license at that time and as we have a wonderful view on the ocean with some boats in the background i could easily imagine myself being at that harbor.
Eisen’s Thoughts
Free Lines
Sculptural Solution
Confusing Knot
‘Passionate couple in the harbor‘ (c.1836) from the series ‘Konote gashiwa (Two Aspects of Love/ Child’s-hand Oak)‘ by Keisai Eisen
The size of the statue is ca. 15 3/4″ x 7 4/5″ x 7 4/5″ inches.
Click HERE for an earlier article that examines the first purchase of the artist from us, and also shows a picture of the above Eisen piece hanging on his wall…!!
Let us know what you think about the statue in the comment box below…!!