Erotische voorstelling c. 1678 - 1698

This erotic print by Hishikawa Moroshige is made with woodblock printmaking. The initial impression is one of complexity, stemming from the figures' interwoven forms and varied patterns. Moroshige’s composition is notable for its arrangement of figures in a tight horizontal plane, challenging traditional spatial depth. The bodies are outlined with a sharp contrast between the black ink and white paper. This starkness is softened by the organic, curvilinear shapes, creating a delicate balance. The patterns, applied to the kimonos and the floor, serve not just as decoration but as visual cues, guiding the eye. The patterns add to the composition’s textured surface, challenging traditional perspective. Note how the linear elements in the background interact with the curves of the bodies. Moroshige destabilizes the conventional, inviting the viewer to question established visual hierarchies. The sword at the bottom adds a layer of meaning to the composition, inviting us to question power and representation.