This well-known woodblock, painted by Torii Kiyonobu I (c. 1664 to 1729), was the frontispiece for a set of 12 erotic prints. Erotic prints of courtesans were a popular subject among artists working in ukiyo-e. Yiyonobu founded the Torii school of art. This school was a major force in the development of ukiyo-e during the early 1700s.
This black and white print, or sumizuri-e, was produced anonymously in the late 17th century or early 18th century. Although considered anonymous, it strongly resembles work by Hishikawa Moronobu. This print looks at the story of Kume the Immortal. Kume is a recluse who has mastered the power to travel through the air at will. He sees this young woman baring her legs and falls from the sky after losing his concentration.
Another well known sumizuri-e is an anonymous work depicting a woman writing poetry while another has her hair dressed. Courtesan activities, including day-to-day activities, were a popular subject of ukiyo-e art. This particular work strongly resembles other work by Okumura Gempachi Masanobu.
The print of Kitano Tenjin by Okumura Masanobu (c. 1686 to 1764) depicts Sugawara Michizane (845 to 903), a nobleman who became the god the god Kitano Tenjin. He is said to have taken spirit form and flown to China to learn Zen Buddhism. He is a popular motif in many period paintings and woodblock prints.
Shôki is the popular destroyer of demons in Japanese culture. He is frequently represented striding or walking. This well-known print by Okumura Masanobu (c. 1686 to 1764) portrays Shôki in the popular walking style.