Early to mid-19th century, Edo period. Ink and color on paper yatsugiri-ban-sized woodblock prints, float-mounted in four matching frames. Attributed to Keisai Eisen are four unsigned erotic interior scenes with embossing and metallic pigments featuring pairs of lovers behind screens. One scene from the series "Kai Awase Juriban" or "The Shell Matching Game, 12 Months," an egoyomi surimono calendar print where the months of the year are hidden in the obi on the floor beneath a hand mirror. A print from the same series is in the British Museum London (OA+, 0.445). Shunga or erotic prints were typically unsigned and were issued in small, easily pocketable formats to thwart Edo censorship laws. Each print approx. 3 1/2 by 5 in., 9 by 12.7 cm.

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