Beweegbare erotische prent 1850 - 1860

This small, movable erotic print was created by Utagawa Kunisada, a leading artist of the Ukiyo-e style in 19th century Japan. Known for his portraits of Kabuki actors and women, Kunisada also produced Shunga, erotic art that was popular across different social classes. This print offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of pleasure, gender roles, and social norms of the Edo period. The woman's submissive pose and the man's dominant position reflect the era's patriarchal structures. Yet, the elaborate detail in their clothing and surroundings hints at a shared pursuit of pleasure and intimacy. Shunga often served as a form of sexual education, especially for young women entering marriage. Such images allowed for the exploration and negotiation of desires within the constraints of societal expectations. What does it mean to see these erotic images, created within a specific historical and cultural context, circulating in a museum today? How do they challenge or reinforce our own understandings of sexuality and power?