Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) | Three shunga woodblock-printed book plates | Edo period, 19th century

Property of a Private Collector

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)

Three woodblock-printed book plates

Edo period, 19^th century 

each a woodblock print, from the illustrated book Pine Seedlings on the First Rat Day or Old True Sophisticates of the Club of Delightful Skills (Kinoe no komatsu), volume two, originally published circa 1814 but from a later re-carved edition, variously depicting amorous couples, the first of a newly-wed bride and groom in their ceremonial attire, the second with a courtesan and her young client, the third with the woman reading from a book

21 x 26.2 cm., 8¼ x 10¼ in. (the first)

21.4 x 26.3 cm., 8⅜ x 10¼ in. (the second)

21 x 26.3 cm., 8¼ x 10¼ in. (the third)