We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Handscroll with preliminary drawings for erotic images ('shunga')

late 19th century-early 20th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

Alternate image of Handscroll with preliminary drawings for erotic images ('shunga') by
Alternate image of Handscroll with preliminary drawings for erotic images ('shunga') by
Alternate image of Handscroll with preliminary drawings for erotic images ('shunga') by
Alternate image of Handscroll with preliminary drawings for erotic images ('shunga') by
Alternate image of Handscroll with preliminary drawings for erotic images ('shunga') by
  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Japan
    Date
    late 19th century-early 20th century
    Media categories
    Scroll , Painting , Drawing
    Materials used
    handscroll; ink and colour on paper
    Dimensions
    24.9 x 431.3 cm
    Credit
    Gift of Lesley Kehoe Galleries 2010
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    125.2010
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Share
  • About

    The hand scroll contains 12 scenes of erotic encounters between couples of various social classes. The figures are delineated with fluid brushstrokes in black ink, while limbs and faces are accentuated with pink colour. Their garments are roughly sketched and coloured as customary for preliminary drawings. Notes written in 'katakana' give indications for the final appearance of the textile patterns.

    The painting style is eclectic as it contains elements of various traditions such as the Maruyama-Shijo school and ukiyoe 'nikuhitsue' as well as Nihonga. The work can therefore be dated to the late 19th to early 20th century.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, April 2010.

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    Japan