Hokusai. Shunga

If you think you’re familiar with Hokusai (1760–1849), you might want to reconsider. Beyond his renowned work, The Great Wave, Hokusai explored themes that were much more personal and candid. His shunga, or "spring pictures," delve into the lives of maidservants, wives, courtesans, lovers, and even curious onlookers—famously capturing a pair of provocative octopuses. These works are vibrant, humorous, and boldly joyful. This extensive collection presents eight complete books and print sets from 1786 to 1823, many accompanied by narratives written by Hokusai himself.The combination of visual art and storytelling showcases exaggerated anatomy, playful voyeurism, gentle moments of affection, and an unexpectedly balanced approach to pleasure for both genders. Unlike the reserved attitudes of 18th-century Europe, Japan during the Edo period (1603–1868) regarded sexuality as a natural element of life. Although shunga was officially banned, it was commonly tolerated, and numerous respected artists embraced the genre under pseudonyms to avoid government censorship. These artworks served to entertain, stimulate, and even bring good fortune—samurai would carry them as talismans into battle.Advancements in printing technology during Hokusai's era led to vivid colors and detailed depictions of textiles, yet the themes remained distinctly human: filled with daring encounters, secretive affairs, and scenes of both marital and extramarital delight. Captured anew through modern photography and enhanced by an insightful introduction and detailed essays, this retrospective provides a captivating look into a less recognized but exceptionally imaginative segment of Hokusai’s extensive career, indicating that even brilliant masters had their own indulgent fantasies.