One of the most iconic works of ukiyo-e is Hokusai’s 1814 print “The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife,” which depicts a woman amid a sexual liaison with two octopuses. It is so familiar that its outré bestialistic imagery is somewhat diluted. The picture even appears in Mad Men (2007–15) as decoration in a Japanophilic advertising executive’s office.
“I picked it for its sensuality, but it also in some way reminds me of our business,” he remarks. This is just one example of shunga — or “spring picture,” with “spring” being a euphemism for sex — a category of ukiyo-e during the form’s heyday in 1600–1800s Japan. Junko Hirata’s Shunga (2023) is a foray into this world, touching on many less familiar works in the genre.
Making its North American premiere at this year’s Japan Cuts , the documentary delves deep into shunga’s history, its continuing influence on Japanese art, and the relationship between “legitimate” art and pornography. Sign up for our free newsletters to get the latest art news, reviews, and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily The latest stories every weekday morning Weekly Editors' picks of the best stories each week Opportunities Monthly list of opportunities for artists, and art workers View our full list of free newsletters .
Shunga is one of the most pleasantly surprising nonfiction films to come along in a while, noteworthy for avoiding many of the pitfalls so many documentaries about art trip into. The genre feels bl.
