shunga

Shunga is a traditional Japanese art form that depicts erotic themes and sexual imagery, often created as woodblock prints, paintings, or illustrations. Originating in the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries), shunga was both a form of artistic expression and a part of cultural practices related to sexuality and fertility. It was often used for personal enjoyment, as a form of advice, or to celebrate intimacy. Despite its explicit content, shunga was widely accepted and respected as an art genre within Japan, offering insight into historical attitudes towards sexuality, beauty, and human connection.