Erotic engravings
In Japan, as in the West, the word ukiyo-e, Japanese printmaking, has often been simplified to represent erotic prints. There were two types of engravings. Those that had a tinge of eroticism, such as showing a bare leg peeking out of a kimono, were called abuna-e (“dangerous pictures”). Other truly erotic prints, shunga, were created by many of the most famous artists. They amazed the West with their beauty, and Edmond de Goncourt, inspired, wrote: “The day before I bought albums of Japanese obscenities. It pleases me, entertains me, captivates the eye. I look at the external obscenities that are there and which seem not to be there, and which I do not see because they disappear in fantasy" (Edmond and Jules de Goncourt, newspaper Mémoires de la vie littéraire, Paris, Robert Lafon, coll. " Bukin”, volume 1, p. 1013, 1989).
Japanese prints have fascinated and continue to fascinate artists all over the world. Their completely handmade production surprises us. Only the best artisans can achieve such perfection.
Top print: Katsushika Hokusai "Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji - The Great Wave of Kanagawa" (Adachi Print Institute)
