[A GROUP OF THREE SUMI-INK SHUNGA [EROTIC] HAND-DRAWINGS.]

[Japan n.d. ca 1860-70]. Three Shunga Sumi-ink drawings, 2 each: ca. 38.8 x 27.3 cm., about Oban size, one smaller size about 31.8 x 24.5 cm., drawn on laid Washi paper, two folds, very clean & excellent. RARE EXAMPLES ! . *** **** *** . . . THREE SHUNGA SUMI-INK HAND-DRAWINGS . . . LARGE OBAN SIZE PRECURSOR TO WOODBLOCK PRINTING . . . LATE EDO PERIOD EXAMPLES . * This is a lovely set of three Shunga expertly drawn and executed. These are the precursors of the kinds of drawings placed face-down and glued onto cherry-wood blocks to print the "key" outline block in black. . Additional drawings were used to print the various colors & patterns. Often these sketches had the color names written-in by the artist.. . Expertly drawn and sketched on laid Washi [hand-made] tissue type paper. In the late Edo period [Edo 1603-1868], Samurai still wore the typical Chonmage [top-knot] until about 1872, when they were banned by the Meiji government. . *** THE SUBJECT & DETAILS: . No.1: The smaller of the three, is illustrated on our website as 'cover.jpg.' This shows an Edo period couple wear Kimono flung open. The man is about to mount the woman, he has a huge penis. She grasps him behind the shoulders, pulling him close to her, while she raises her feet and legs revealing her vagina. The couple are cheek-to-cheek, nearly kissing. A very erotic pose. . No.2: The larger, is posted to our website as 'title.jpg.' This shows another Edo period couple wearing Kimono spread open, revealing his huge erect penis. She spreads her legs wide presenting her ready vagina. He is entering her as she clutches his hand. . No.3: The larger, is posted to our website as 'illus01.jpg.' It shows an Edo period couple on the Tatami mat. She faces away from her lover, presenting her vagina, pulling her knees backward, thus expressing her licentious emotions. She clutches his arm with both hands. . He looks up in ecstasy while plunging deeply into her and pulling her close to him. Love juices flow. This is not the first time they make love that day. Near the woman's head is a group of spent Chirishi [toilet paper], crumpled as evidence of the last round of love making. . *** CONDITION: These are by and large in excellent original period condition. There are some typical center and or other folds, with a bit of the usual old edge minor folds [now all mostly straight], a couple tiny drops of Sumi-ink in or near the margins. All in all an excellent group of RARE, erotic hand-sketched drawings. Seldom found. . *** RARITY The majority of these precursors to woodblock prints were glued down to woodblocks, then carved following the outlines. They became an integral part of the printing process, never possible to recover, being entirely used up. . These appear to be early drawings, from which more detailed drawings followed all of which became part of the printing process. . *** .