Reproduction Print – From Utagawa Kunitoru’s “Senrikyō” / Medium-Sized Nishiki-e / Bunsei 7 (1824) – 2 Images

Utagawa Kunitoru demonstrated his skill in uki-e (perspective prints) and Western-style landscapes by incorporating Western linear perspective. In particular, his use of the ita-bokashi technique—applying gradation directly onto the woodblock—created a subtle and evocative atmosphere. He also applied this expressive skill to shunga, establishing himself as a prominent erotic print artist.

“Senrikyō” is a two-piece set. One print offers a bird’s-eye view of various scenes, while the other depicts a couple engaged in intimacy. Interestingly, if you look closely, the intimate scene is actually embedded within the bird’s-eye view print. Have fun spotting the couple—almost like a Where’s Waldo? challenge. The title Senrikyō literally means “telescope.”


歌川国虎は、西洋の透視図法を取り入れた浮絵や洋風風景に実力を発揮。特に版木に直接ぼかしを施す「板ぼかし」の技法で、絶妙な空気感を描き出した。春画でもその表現力を活かし、艶本作家として活躍した。

『センリキヤウ』は2図で一組の作品。1つはさまざまな場面を俯瞰した図で、もう1つにはまぐわう男女の図。実は…よく見ると男女がまぐわう図が、俯瞰場面に描かれている。『ウォーリーをさがせ』ばりに、どこにまぐわう男女が描かれているか探してお楽しみあれ。ちなみに、センリキヤウとは「千里鏡」(望遠鏡)のこと。


Size
A3: H31.8 cm × W44.1 cm