MIRROR OF THE VAGINA: EXAMINATIONS OF A YOUNG CONCUBINE (Utagawa Toyokuni)
Object: original Japanese woodblock print
Genre: abuna-e あぶな絵 dangerous pictures
Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni 歌川豊国 (1769-1825)
From the book: Picture Book, Mirror of the Vagina 絵本開中鏡, vol. 1 上
Print subject: After completing the practical exams for playing the koto and shamisen, a concubine answers the questions in the oral examination, explaining that this is her first time working as a servant and that she is 17 years old. While the elderly lady is explaining to her how to prepare for the service in the inner palace, the situation gradually turns to advice on nighttime companionship.
Material: washi 和紙 Japanese paper
Technique: nishiki-e 錦絵 multi-coloured woodblock printing
Year: later edition of a work from 1823
Condition: fair
Dimensions: 27 x 22 cm
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