Shunga Artist:  Kunisada (Utagawa Toyokuni III) — Rare, Complete Shunga Book Set of Three Volumes
Dated:  Bunsei 10 (1827) — Complete Illustrated Volumes X 3
Shunga Series Title:  Kamigata koi shugyo
 
A narrative-driven set of three shunga volumes centered on scenes of romantic tension & jealousy—an unusually cohesive thematic thread within early Kunisada shunga.
 
An early and highly engaging shunga series by Utagawa Kunisada, published in Bunsei 10 (1827) during the late Bunsei era.
 
This compact, fully illustrated set of three presents a sequence of intimate scenes rendered in Kunisada’s unmistakable early style—refined linework, expressive figures, and richly patterned textiles throughout.  Early Kunisada shunga books of this type - especially as a complete set - are increasingly difficult to find in complete, original book form.
 
Details:
Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Date: Bunsei era, 10th year (1827)
His shunga series, Kamigata koi shugyo.
Format: Woodblock-printed shunga picture book (e-hon) X 3
Size of each book (closed): approx. 22 cm x 15.5 cm
Pages: Multiple double-page illustrated spreads with text.  Approximately 16-17 colored-picture pages per volume with the remaining pages being kanji text pages. (Not all pictures shown above).
Condition:  Consistent with age. Wear to covers, wear within each volume, backed pages, and soiling.  Interior pages remain well-preserved overall with strong impressions and color.  Structurally intact and complete.  Please see and judge from the photos provided.
 
A strong example of early 19th-century Edo-period shunga—compact, authentic, and visually rich, with a sustained thread of romantic tension, as well as super natural elements like ghosts and monstrous toads—accompanied by a healthy narrative interplay throughout.
 
An unusually complete and atmospheric early Kunisada shunga set, blending sensuality, folklore, and dramatic storytelling in a manner seldom encountered today—offered here at a notably approachable price point considering the rarity of intact Bunsei-era examples.