[A GROUP OF SIX FINE SHUNGA [EROTIC] HAND-DRAWINGS IN SUMI-INK.]

[Japan n.d. ca. 1850-1860]. A group of three large sheets, 2 paintings per sheet, size: 39.7x 28 cm., superbly and finely executed in Sumi-ink on Washi [handmade] paper, color names written in, 2 folds, very clean & stunningly RARE EXAMPLES ! . *** **** *** . . A STUNNING SUITE OF SIX SUPERB & FINELY EXECUTED SHUNGA . . . HAND-DRAWINGS IN SUMI-INK . . . THE WORK OF A MASTER JAPANESE EDO PERIOD ARTIST, UNSIGNED . . . PRECURSOR DRAWINGS TO BE USED FOR WOODBLOCK PRINTING . * This is the work of a master Japanese artist and Ukiyo-e painter of the late Edo period [1603-1868]. . The sheets are numbered: 1 [+9], 3 & 11, There is not signature, however due to the far and above average drawing skill and quality, they are more than likely the work of a famous master artist. . This kind of fine-art drawings were commonly used as precursors to woodblock-printed books. This kind of original "key block" art was glued face down on the cherry wood blocks then carved. Additional blocks were carved one per each other color and pattern. . In this case, the artist already called out the name of each color and was written so the carvers and printers knew which color would go with each part of the drawings when printed. . Note, each is depicted with the typical "Chonmage" ["top-knot"] Samurai hair style. See more about this below. This indicates the coiffeur style continued from ancient times until 1871 when it was officially banned by the government along with the disestablishment of the Samurai class during the "Meiji" restoration period [1868-1912].. . *** THE SUBJECT & CONTENT: . Sheet 1 & 9: A nude couple preparing to make love. He caresses her vagina, his huge penis is erect. She holds a stick of incense. . 9 shows a couple making love her knees raised, he rides on top of her. See color photos posted to our website as: cover.jpg, illus01.jpg & illus02.jpg. . Sheet 3: Shows a couple about to make love. He caresses her clitoris, and has a huge penis. She pulls her knees up, opening herself to his advances, she pulls his right arm to her in an embrace. The lower corner shows the artist's abbreviated name signature. . The other half shows a woman taking a bath in a wooden bucket, she is nude and her vagina is exposed. He is wearing his Kimono which is flung open revealing a huge penis, which he prepares to direct towards her. See images: title.jpg, illus03jpg & illus04.jpg on our website. . Sheet 11: Shows a couple getting ready to make love. She flung her Kimono open, revealing her breasts and vagina, she holds his huge penis with her left hand, while holding a wad of Chiroshi [toilet paper] in her right hand. They are cheek to cheek. He pulls her right leg up, spreading her wide for eminent entry. There is a pack of extra Chirishi at the lower right. See images illus05.jpg, through illus07.jpg on our website. . . The other illustration shows the couple on the verandah overlooking the iris flowers. She pulls him to her with her right hand over his shoulder and neck, they are cheek to cheek. He spreads her vulva open while inserting his fingers into her vagina. She closes her eyes in ecstasy. . *** The great skill of the artist is clearly evident, as his lines are thin, straight, no retracing or errors, he clearly knows what he is drawing and the imagery is strong. The details are exquisite, capturing the most subtle emotion with a smile, open lips, and toes crinkled in joy. This is not an amateur artist's work! Clearly the work of a master artist who has drawn substantial numbers of illustrated woodblock printed books and single prints.. . *** THE DATING: These were more than likely done circa 1850-1860's, the end of the Edo period [1603-1868], and are drawn in that genre. The coiffeurs reflect the end of the Edo period, just prior to the Meiji period, when coiffeur changed drastically, and the "Chonmage" [men's "top-knot" hair style worn by Samurai] was banned from 1871 [Meiji 4th year] by official decree, . *** Color scans are posted to our website. Due to the tissue-think Washi paper, these do not photograph well or scan well. suffice to say they are exceptionally impressive and stunning original art works. . *** CONDITION: . Each sheet has three old folds, each is numbered in the lower right corner . . Sheets 1 & 3, have 4 feint, small brown spots at the top of each drawing, located at the center of the page where each is folded, otherwise no issues. . Sheet 11, is very clean, no spots or other issues. . There are a few tiny closed tears on the edges, and a couple old back-side mends, typical of items from this period, else a very nice set of RARE & original drawings. . *** REFERENCE: . The use of the Chonmage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chonmage . * .