Japanese Shunga Woodblock Print Diptych

Two scenes under pine-topped landscapes, with plenty going on beneath the scenery.

This shunga woodblock print diptych, Before and During, is from Japan, Meiji Period (1868 – 1912 CE), in ink on paper, by an unknown artist. Shunga were produced in large numbers in Japan, often in illustrated books with text panels that set the scene with jokes and wordplay. Each half is topped by a small landscape of pines and distant hills beside a cream panel of flowing script. Below, couples share interiors of blue mats, checked robes and patterned cushions, one pair pausing over a small cup. The colors are strong blues, reds and pinks. It is 10.2 inches wide and 7.7 high.

The title is admirably honest about the itinerary.