Kissing Her Breast c. 1775 - 1777

Isoda Koryūsai made this woodblock print, Kissing Her Breast, in Japan during the late 18th century. At the time, Japanese art was undergoing transformations brought about by increasing urbanization and commercialism. Prints such as this one—known as *shunga*, or “spring pictures”—were widely circulated in Japan during the Edo period, reflecting a relatively open attitude toward sexuality compared to other parts of the world. *Shunga* prints were not only produced by artists working outside of established schools, but were also produced by those working in the academic style. The detailed rendering of the lovers' bodies, along with the rich patterns of their clothing and bedding, speaks to the sophistication of Japanese printmaking at this time. To further understand this work, one might consult studies of Edo-period social and artistic life, collections of similar prints, and historical accounts of sexuality and censorship in Japan. By considering this print within its social and historical context, we gain a deeper appreciation of its cultural significance.