10 Japanese Shunga That Will Shock You

What Is Shunga?

Shunga was a popular genre of Japanese erotic art produced in large quantities between the 17th and 19th centuries. The term “shunga” literally means “picture of spring,” and “spring” here is a euphemism for sex. Shunga came in various formats such as painted handscrolls, illustrated books, and woodblock prints in the ukiyo-e style.

Despite its explicit content, shunga requires as much technical skill and aesthetic refinement as non-erotic art and was normalized across artistic practices of multiple schools.

Shunga appealed to a broad audience, from wealthy merchants to lower-ranking samurai. Although officially banned after 1722, the ban was inconsistent, and production continued.

Historical records suggest that shunga often played an intricate role in private life, appearing in bridal trousseaux and functioning as visual guides to romance and lovemaking. In this way, shunga served not only as entertainment, but also facilitated education and personal reflection.

1. In Praise of Love (in the Four Seasons), 1827–1829

This print comes from a luxurious book by Utagawa Kunisada, likely intended for an affluent audience. Set on a moonlit terrace, the scene is enriched with everyday domestic details that heighten a sense of intimacy and romance. Unlike many shunga works in which lovers remain partially clothed, this image presents the couple with most of their garments stripped off, exposing their bodies and emphasizing their oversized genitalia.

Exaggeration was a characteristic of shunga’s visual language. Artists used these techniques to create clear, dynamic compositions that conveyed emotional and physical connection between the figures, while bringing the viewer’s attention to some focal points. These playful distortions were but a means to communicate desire, considering that nudity alone was not necessarily considered erotic in Edo Japan.

2. The Shimada Rest Stop, 1835–1845

Another characteristic of shunga is the portrayal of improbable sexual positions. In many works, like The Shimada Rest Stop, the poses are not only unconventional but also composed so that the figures’ bodies become intertwined, making it difficult to distinguish one figure from another.

3. Spring Colours: First Cry of the Warbler on the Plum, 1842

In some works, genitals even replace faces, as seen in this striking piece by Kunisada. By presenting the sexual organs as a “second face,” the artist gives visual form to primal desire, suggesting how passion can momentarily eclipse social identity and emotional restraint. This bold visual strategy reflects shunga’s blend of humor, symbolism, and exaggeration. Rather than serving shock value alone, the image invites viewers to reflect on the tension between social decorum and private desire in Edo society.

4. Twelve Tastes in the Classification of Passion, c. 1785

This same blend of bold symbolism and playful exaggeration appears in shunga’s frequent depictions of group encounters, as seen in this striking print. It portrays a handsome salesman approached by six eager young women, who surround him as he lies on his back, each seeking pleasure in her own way.

The scene’s comic excess may be read as an inversion of the traditional Seven Lucky Gods, only one of whom, Benzaiten, is female, turning a familiar cultural motif into erotic satire.

5. The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife, 1814

While most shunga portray human lovers, a small number feature animals in fantastical or symbolic encounters. The most famous example appears in Hokusai‘s work The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife.

In the artwork, a large octopus pulls a diving woman into a crevice between two rocks, using its eight legs to entwine and play with her body, while a smaller octopus kisses her mouth. Although she appears lifeless, her arched back suggests pleasure, which is confirmed by the accompanying dialogue.

6. Elegant Amorous Mane’emon Series, 1770

Although most shunga depict heterosexual couples, same-sex relationships appear frequently, especially in works addressing male audiences. This full-color, nishiki-e print belongs to Harunobu’s celebrated series about Mane’emon, a man who gains immortality and the ability to observe private sexual customs.

Here, Mane’emon watches two men engaged in intercourse. Symbolic narcissus flowers on the youth’s robe signal homosexuality. The scene reflects Edo-period acceptance of same-sex relationships, particularly within urban and samurai culture, and demonstrates how shunga documented diverse forms of desire.

7. Fumi no kiyogaki, 1801

Lesbian love and sex appear less frequently in shunga but are nonetheless documented. This print shows two women preparing to use a strap-on dildo, with one holding lubricant. Such scenes reveal the practical and educational dimension of shunga as sexual manuals.

Sex toys were common during the Edo period and appear in many shunga prints. Accompanying comic texts often provided advice and pseudo-medical recommendations, blending instructions with entertainment.

8. Print with Erotic Scene, 1765–1770

Masturbation, voyeurism, and jealousy are recurring themes in shunga. In this snowy scene, a man makes love with a woman beside an open window while the man’s wife watches from outside, preparing to throw a snowball in anger. The contrast between private pleasure and public exposure creates dramatic tension and humor. The well-preserved shunga print by Suzuki Harunobu features vibrant colors and embossing, as well as the detailing of snow on bamboo leaves. It’s considered one of Harunobu’s finest erotic designs, created for wealthy patrons.

9. Lovers Beneath a Mosquito Net, 18th century

Similarly, other shunga artworks, such as this one, explore sexual intercourse in the presence of a third person. Two lovers make love under a patterned mosquito net, while another man sleeps nearby. The delicate details and soft coloring create an atmosphere of quiet sensuality. Rather than presenting sex as taboo, the scene reflects Edo-period views of desire as a natural part of everyday life enmeshed within shared living spaces and social relationships.

10. The Decorated Fan, 1850–1860 & In Praise of Love (in the Four Seasons), 1827-1829

Courtesans and brothel culture were also important themes in many shunga prints. The woman’s elaborate hairstyle and luxurious clothing suggest the elegance of the pleasure quarters rather than an ordinary home. The richly decorated interior further indicates that this is not a domestic space.

Rather than emphasizing private intimacy, this composition focuses on spectacle, status, and the dynamics of commercialized desire. Captions or dialogue often add humor or erotic innuendo, enhancing the narrativity of the work.

These 10 works demonstrate that shunga is far more than mere provocative imagery. They showcase remarkable technical skill, playful humor, layered symbolism, and subtle social commentary, offering a vivid reflection of sex, intimacy, and pleasure during the Edo period. Beyond their erotic appeal, they provide valuable cultural and historical insights into their times and have a lasting influence on later artists and visual traditions. What are your thoughts on these works, and how do you view shunga as an artistic genre?

If, like us, you love Japanese art, be sure to check out our Japanese Art postcards, featuring some of the most remarkable Japanese prints!