Japan: A young man shows an obviously shy young woman a shunga book of erotic drawings entitled 'Hakujin Onna', approximately 'Women of Easy Virtue'. Suzuki Harunobu (1724-1770), c. 1765

Suzuki Harunobu (鈴木 春信, 1724 – July 7, 1770) was a Japanese woodblock print artist, one of the most famous in the Ukiyo-e style. He was an innovator, the first to produce full-color prints (nishiki-e) in 1765, rendering obsolete the former modes of two- and three-color prints.

Harunobu used many special techniques, and depicted a wide variety of subjects, from classical poems to contemporary beauties (bijin, bijin-ga). Like many artists of his day, Harunobu also produced a number of shunga, or erotic images.

During his lifetime and shortly afterwards, many artists imitated his style. A few, such as Harushige, even boasted of their ability to forge the work of the great master. Much about Harunobu's life is unknown.

Hakujin or 'white ones' were a class of amateur prostitutes in Kyoto before the early twentieth century.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

SHUNGA