Hokusai Shunga Art Book - Multicolour

The Hokusai Shunga book brings together eight complete books and print sets from 1786–1823, covering the artist's most provocative works from Japan's Edo Period. Rich in color and detail, the collection features exquisitely rendered textiles and reflects innovations in woodblock printing during Hokusai's lifetime. An in-depth introduction and explanatory essays by author Andreas Marks accompany up-to-date photography of the works. The volume comes housed in a printed slipcase.

This stirring celebration of Hokusai’s (1760–1849) most provocative works delights on every page. Best known for “The Great Wave”, Japan’s most celebrated artist is renowned for his contribution to shunga — or “pictures of spring” — a genre that flourished during the urban culture of the Edo Period. Made to entertain, arouse, and even bring good luck, shunga scenes feature tender and titillating encounters with courtesans, lovers, voyeurs, husbands and wives, and non-human entities. Combining expressive carnality with imaginative humor, this erotic edition reveals raw sensuality in its most graphic, surprising, comic, and surreal forms. 'Hokusai. Shunga' brings together eight complete books and print sets from 1786–1823, with many accompanying narratives composed by the artist himself. Rich in color and detail, with exquisitely rendered textiles throughout, the collection reflects innovations in printing during Hokusai’s lifetime. Up-to-date photography of the works is complemented by an in-depth introduction, and explanatory essays by author Andreas Marks. This enticing title by Taschen, which comes in a stunning printed slipcase, is the perfect gift for Japanophiles, mischievous friends, and lovers.