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Dear Forum Members,

I purchased two sets of miniature Japanese Shunga woodblock prints from an antiques dealer in Connecticut. He purchased them from an elderly Japanese-American woman. There are 11 in this first set. Each one has a mirror with Kangi and a painting in the background that I think includes the couple (one or both). They measure 5” by 3.75”. Excellent colors, impressions, block lines and embossing, embellished with metallic pigments. From my research, I believe they were made by a member of the Utagawa school, perhaps Kunisada (I) -> Toyokuni (III).

The dealer put them in clear hard plastic sleeves. Should I keep them in these sleeves or is there a better method of storing them? I am keeping them out of direct light in a cabinet for the time being.

Any thoughts on artist, date, significance of paintings in the backgrounds, and preservation are most appreciated!

Kind regards,
Rick

Here are photos of the back of the Shunga prints.

The series title is 'Tsuya jijo ryōmen kagami' (艶次女両面鏡 - The double-sided mirror of the charming second daughter). Must be Utagawa school, 1830s indeed. Format is 1/2 chūban.
Found no further reference.

Best thing is to store them in a stable environment with washi paper in between the sheets in an acid free map or box in the dark.

Guy.

Thank you very much, Guy! I appreciate all of the information. I will purchase some washi paper and get some boxes to store them safely in the dark.

Kind regards,
Rick

The different/double meanings of 'second daughter' in Japanese language: https://en.4hw.com.cn/644/2611.html

Guy.

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