A Shunga 

This Shunga was made by Ike no Taiga, sometime in the 18th century, with ink and color on paper. The fluidity of the ink is really the star here. It captures the erotic subject matter with elegant and economic lines. The paper itself plays a big role. The way the ink bleeds into the fibers creates a soft, intimate atmosphere. Taiga's masterful brushstrokes are evident, each line imbued with a sense of control. He was working within a long tradition of Japanese ink painting. This work reminds us of the social context in which it was made. Shunga prints were not just about sex; they were also about pleasure, humor, and even social commentary. So, next time you look at a work of art, consider the materials and techniques that went into it. They can tell you a lot about the culture and the time in which it was made.