De pleisterplaats Shimada 1835 - 1845

Utagawa Kunisada made this woodblock print, titled "De pleisterplaats Shimada," in Japan in the 19th century. The print depicts a man and woman in a moment of intimacy, against a backdrop of a bustling seaside scene. This image is an example of *shunga*, a genre of Japanese erotic art that flourished during the Edo period. The term *shunga* translates literally as "spring pictures," a euphemism for sexual imagery. These prints were not considered pornographic as they are today, but were integrated into the culture and social structure. They were often associated with notions of fertility and good luck. Kunisada was a leading printmaker of his time, and his work reflects the cultural values and artistic conventions of his era. In understanding this image we can explore how the production and consumption of erotic art reflect the social norms of their time. Through further research into the Edo period and its art institutions, we can better understand the social and cultural context of *shunga* and its place in Japanese history.