Rare Vertical Shikake-e (Toy Print) from c.1840 — attributed to Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)
 
This slender, vertical shunga woodblock print picture contains three different shunga close-up scenes, all highly erotic in their own particular way.
 
Vertical, shikake-e format shunga are exceptionally scarce, especially in such stellar condition.
 
Details:
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Date: c. 1840
Format: Vertical shikake-e (toy shunga print)
Size: 17.5 × 3 cm 
Condition: Virtually mint condition.  Excellent colors and impressions.  No backing.  
 
Small in size but impossible to ignore, this rare vertical shikake-e shunga presents three intensely erotic close-up scenes executed with remarkable skill.  Such novelty-format prints were never produced in large numbers and are seldom encountered today, particularly in such outstanding condition.  An unusual, conversation-starting piece that perfectly demonstrates the playful, inventive, and unapologetically erotic spirit of Edo-period Japan shunga art.