Bedroom Scene

Art Historical Context

Step into the intimate world of Edo-period Japan with *Bedroom Scene*, a captivating woodblock print by Okura Masanobu, created around 1739. Masanobu, a pioneeringkiyo-e artist active 18th-century Edo (modern Tokyo), specialized in vibrant depictions of the "floating worldeveryday pleasures, theater, and erotica. This hand-colored print, measuring about 11 x 15 inches, showcases a private bedroom encounter between nude male and female figures, rendered in ink and delicate colors on paper. Its classification as a print from the Asian Art collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art highlights its role in preserving Japan's rich printmaking heritage. Masanobu's innovative techniques shine here: he was among the first to incorporate Western-style perspective (uki-e) and glossy lacquer effects (urushi-e), adding depth and allure to flat woodblock surfaces. Hand-coloring by skilled artisans brought lifelike warmth to the skin tones and fabrics, predating multi-block color printing. This medium was affordable and reproducible, making such sensual scenes accessible beyond elite circles. Culturally, the print embodies shunga, Japan's erotic art tradition, which celebrated human desire openly during the prosperous Edo period (1615–1868). Often exchanged as gifts or hidden treasures, works like this reflect a playful, untabooed view of intimacy, blending artistry with social commentary on urban life. A delightful glimpse into a bygone era's passions!

About the Artist

Okumura Masanobu · 1686–1764

Japanese, 1686–1764