Hokusai. Shunga

Beskrivelse

Discover a different side of Hokusai, the master artist known for The Great Wave, through his intimate and playful shunga artworks. This collection showcases his bold and often humorous depictions of love and desire from the late 18th to early 19th century.

An exploration of Hokusai’s shunga: erotic art blending humor, tenderness, and cultural insight.

Long before creating his iconic wave, Hokusai (1760-1849) delved into the world of shunga, or "spring pictures," capturing the private and spirited moments of maidservants, wives, courtesans, lovers, and even a cheeky pair of octopuses. This extensive portfolio compiles eight complete books and print sets produced between 1786 and 1823, many featuring narratives written by Hokusai himself. The combination of vivid imagery and storytelling reveals exaggerated anatomy, mischievous voyeurism, tender connections, and a surprisingly balanced appreciation of pleasure for both men and women.

Unlike the prudish attitudes of 18th-century Europe, Edo-period Japan embraced sexuality as a natural part of life. Although shunga was officially banned, it was widely tolerated, with many respected artists adopting pseudonyms to navigate censorship while enthusiastically contributing to the genre. These artworks were created not only to entertain and arouse but also served as good luck charms-samurai often carried them into battle as talismans.

Thanks to the printing innovations during Hokusai’s lifetime, these pieces feature rich colors and finely detailed textiles, yet their themes remain deeply human: secret trysts, stolen moments, and scenes of marital or extramarital joy. Enhanced by fresh photography of these rare works and enriched with a thorough introduction and insightful essays, this collection offers a stunning glimpse into a lesser-known but wildly imaginative facet of Hokusai’s career, proving that even great masters have their playful indulgences.

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