Erotische voorstelling c. 1680 - 1698

This erotic print was made by Sugimura Jihei in Japan, likely in the late 17th century. The print is an example of *shunga*, a popular genre of Japanese art depicting sexual scenes. In early modern Japan, such prints were not heavily censored and were widely circulated across different social classes. The image creates meaning through its depiction of female pleasure and intimacy. The specific arrangement of the figures, their facial expressions, and the intimate setting all contribute to the overall erotic effect. During the Edo period, there was a rising merchant class with new wealth and leisure time. This print catered to their tastes and desires, reflecting a shift in social values and attitudes towards sexuality. To fully understand the cultural context, one can research the social history of sexuality in Edo-period Japan, exploring the role of *shunga* in society and the attitudes towards pleasure, gender, and class. Examining the economic conditions that allowed for the production and consumption of such art is also key. The interpretation of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.