Miyagawa Isshô, ca. 1750.

Depicts “nanshoku”-type relationships between samurai and their boyfriends. Young Kabuki actors who played female roles were known as onnagata or kagema and doubled as sex workers. They were much debated and sought after by the sophisticates of the day.

Shunga hand scroll (kakemono-e); sumi, color and gofun on silk.

Private collection.

Click above image to see the scroll.