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Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753- 1806)		Michiyuki koi no futusao vol. 1 (out of 3) Utamaro's famous shunga book in its COLOR edition.
click to view all book illustrations		Date:                 c. 1802 Size:                 c. 22 x 26. 5 cms / c. 8. 7" x 10. 2" (hanshi-bon) Condition: Very good impression with fine color; a particularly well-preserved, clean copy. The decorated blue covers show the usual wear from use. Ref. no.: # E 1793-1 Price:  € 3,000.00

This is the COLOR EDITION of volume I of Utamaro's most interesting shunga book of his later period, 'Michiyuki koi no futosao', which was first issued in black and white before the color edition followed shortly afterwards. The depictions in the book show famous couples inspired by theatrical dramas of the Japanese puppet theater, the 'BUNRAKU', and by chronicles on famous lovers, such as Gompachi and Komurosaki (the names of the lovers are given in each illustration). The book contains two well-known illustrations of homosexual activities (homosexual scenes in Utamaro's books are very rare). The opening page depicts a scene in a theater, with an actor on stage and a few spectators with phalliform heads (click on the 'view all illustrations' button at top/bottom right to proceed). Vol III of 'Michiyuki koi no futosao'  is shown in this gallery section, as well.

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