JAPANESE ART > ABUNA-E WOODBLOCK PRINTS > MEETING AT NIGHT

Lot 00788
N.1 abuna-e woodblock print

Utagawa Toyokuni

MEETING AT NIGHT

Year: 1822
Condition: fair
Size: 27,5 x 22 cm

Price: EUR 495,00

Do you prefer to pay by bank transfer? Click here »

Authenticity guaranteed   Worldwide shipping   Return accepted

Two regulars converse with two joro (女郎) ladies of pleasure. The man on the left, named Zen (ぜん), listens under the blanket to the words of the woman who assures him that, although she lies down with many men, she actually loves no one else but him. The woman on the right brings water to her guest Matsu (松) and invites him to get up, but he doesn't seem to be in a hurry and expresses the desire to smoke the kiseru (煙管) pipe we see on the floor.

The precious woodblock printed double-page illustration was made in 1822 by the great master Utagawa Toyokuni (歌川豊国). The work is taken from vol. 2 (中) of the famous erotic shunga (春画) book entitled "Oyogari no Koe" (逢夜鴈之声), that is "Call of Geese Meeting at Night", published by the artist in collaboration with the writer Utei Enba II (二世烏亭焉馬).

The two rare pages printed on Japanese washi paper (和紙), despite the right signs of aging, are in fair general condition.

Back to home page »