Mixed Lot of Edo–Meiji Period Shunga Woodblock Prints (with Bijin-ga)
 
Offered here is a varied economy lot of original Japanese woodblock prints, primarily shunga (erotic imagery) dating from the late Edo to early Meiji period (mid–19th century).  Alongside the erotic sheets is one bijin-ga (beauty print), providing a contrast between intimate imagery and more formal portraiture.
 
The lot includes:
 
Multiple black-and-white shunga pages, as well as a few surimono shunga works.
Four shunga pictures from 1836 by Kunisada Utagawa (1786-1865).  From his shunga series, Shunjo gidan mizuage-cho (Erotic Tales of Prostitutes and Deflowering).
A bijin-ga portrait of a beauty in elaborate kimono, with floral background.
Sizes vary, the smallest being 12.5 cm x 9.2 cm and the largest being the bijin-ga portrait measuring 35 cm x 24 cm.
 
Condition: Mixed.  The black & white shunga works are in poor condition.  Others retain good color and impression.  All of the shunga pictures have album backing, aside from the black & white pieces.  The one bijin-ga picture is particularly well-preserved with no backing.  Please review photos carefully for details.
 
This is an economy lot, ideal for collectors interested in study, restoration projects, or adding authentic period examples of both shunga and bijin-ga to their collection at a very modest price.