Erotische voorstelling c. 1678 - 1798

This is an erotic print by Hishikawa Moroshige. We don’t have a precise date for the work, but Moroshige was active during the Edo period in Japan. Moronoshige’s prints were made during a time of relative peace and economic expansion, which created a demand for art that catered to the tastes of the urban middle class. This print is an example of ‘shunga,’ a genre of erotic art that was surprisingly popular across different social classes in Japan at the time. The image depicts an intimate scene between two figures who appear lost in a moment of sensual connection. Their identities are not individualized; rather, they are representative figures, inviting viewers to project their own desires and fantasies onto the scene. It is part of a long history of erotic art that challenges social norms and explores the complexities of human sexuality, reflecting both cultural values and personal experiences. Consider how this image invites a dialogue about desire, representation, and the intimate spaces where personal emotions intersect with societal expectations.