The Japanese Connection Arts and Crafts of Japan
Japanese Name Translations
Japanese Hanko Personal Seal or Stamp

Custom etched Japanese Character Jewelry
Glossary Term
Higa - Secret Pictures



-Higa-
(Also "ukiyo-e" and "shunga")

English Definition:
Japanese sex manuals, literally "secret pictures". Higa are also known as Shunga but are considered more refined versions of these erotic wood block prints.

Among the earliest types of printed "Ukiyo-e," or wood block printing, shunga were 17th century sex manuals and courtesan critiques that depicted highly explicit love scenes. The couples are very rarely completely naked, though. Among the most well-known shunga authors are Hiskikawa Moronobu and Sugimura Jihei.

Note: "Higa" relates to the craft, Ukiyo-e, Japanese wood block printing

 


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