10 Shunga Gems By an Important Member of the Utagawa School

‘Impromptu encounter at the bottom of a staircase.‘ by Utagawa school (c.1850)

‘A harmonious composition with two lovers (both with closed eyes) who merge completely. The heron standing on a snowy branch enhances the sensual atmosphere of the scene.’ (c.1850)

‘A dominant male with a determined expression on his face is tongue-kissing a young courtesan while resting his head on a takamakura (geisha pillow). They just finished their love-making (look for the tissue behind the legs of the girl) but he maintained his erection. They are watched from underneath the blanket by a young male attendant.‘ (c.1850)

‘An impulsive rendezvous of a married couple.‘ (c.1850)

‘A conventional scene with a kissing couple in the missionary pose avoiding the depiction of genitals. Their passion is accentuated by the fallen takamakura (geisha pillow) in the below left corner.‘ (c.1850)

‘Playful scene with a geisha and a client. She is a bit shy and uses the ball she is holding as distraction.‘ (c.1850)

‘Secret encounter between a geisha and a young male lover.‘ (c.1850)

‘Couple in the doggy-style pose. Striking are the thick plumes of smoke and the clawed waves depicted on the back wall.’ (c.1850)

‘At the riverbank on a red blanket two lovers are enjoying themselves. He is a samurai as the handle of the sword in the back indicates.‘ (c.1850)

‘Dynamic image with courtiers making love on a pleasure boat with the wild waves visible through the railing in the background. The woman is sporting a spectacular diadem representing a Chinese dragon.‘ (c.1850) by Utagawa school