Bedroom Scene 1729 - 1749

This color woodblock print by Okumura Masanobu shows an intimate bedroom scene, typical of the ukiyo-e genre flourishing in Japan during the Edo period. The image depicts a private moment between a man and a woman, framed by traditional Japanese interior design elements and an exterior view of a moonlit landscape. Erotic prints like this one – known as shunga – were surprisingly common, circulating among all social classes despite official censorship. They reflect a more open attitude toward sexuality than was present in many Western cultures at the time. This print also speaks to the socio-economic context of the Edo period, a time of relative peace and prosperity that fostered a vibrant urban culture. The floating world of pleasure districts and the art associated with them offer a lens through which we can examine social norms, class dynamics, and the complex interplay of public and private life. Understanding the imagery and cultural codes of the era requires consulting historical sources, including contemporary literature, social commentaries, and government records. This way, we can fully appreciate the layered meanings embedded in this seemingly simple bedroom scene.