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Katsushika Hokusai — Three shunga woodblock-printed book plates | Edo period, 19th century
Katsushika Hokusai

Three shunga woodblock-printed book plates | Edo period, 19th century

These three Hokusai woodblock prints are shunga plates from 'Pine Seedlings on the First Rat Day,' depicting amorous couples in various scenarios. The prints are from a later re-carved edition of the circa 1814 illustrated book, representing Edo period erotic art.

Medium
each a woodblock print, from the illustrated book Pine Seedlings on the First Rat Day or Old True Sophisticates of the Club of Delightful Skills (Kinoe no komatsu), volume two, originally published circa 1814 but from a later re-carved edition, variously depicting amorous couples, the first of a newly-wed bride and groom in their ceremonial attire, the second with a courtesan and her young client, the third with the woman reading from a book
Spotted At
Auction House · Sotheby's

🔨 Auction Lot

Fine Japanese Prints

December 6, 2021

Estimate: $600 – $800

Lot 17

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Spotted works by Katsushika Hokusai

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Art Institute of Chicago

17 spotted

About this work

Katsushika Hokusai, Three shunga woodblock-printed book plates | Edo period, 19th century

These three Hokusai woodblock prints are shunga plates from 'Pine Seedlings on the First Rat Day,' depicting amorous couples in various scenarios. The prints are from a later re-carved edition of the circa 1814 illustrated book, representing Edo period erotic art.

Medium
each a woodblock print, from the illustrated book Pine Seedlings on the First Rat Day or Old True Sophisticates of the Club of Delightful Skills (Kinoe no komatsu), volume two, originally published circa 1814 but from a later re-carved edition, variously depicting amorous couples, the first of a newly-wed bride and groom in their ceremonial attire, the second with a courtesan and her young client, the third with the woman reading from a book
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Cultural, Japanese, Erotic, Edo Period, Narrative, Woodblock Print, Colorful, Figurative

More works by Katsushika Hokusai

Collected by

Art Institute of Chicago