Visconti Limited Edition Shunga Silver Fountain Pen

castle98 castle98 castle98 castle98 castle98 castle98 castle98 castle98 castle98 castle98 "Shunga", literally meaning "images of springtime", are Japanese polychromatic xylographies of erotic subjects produced by the best teachers of the Ukiyo-e school from the beginning of the XVII to the beginning of the XX century, painted on wood panels.
They served a multi-purpose function: as illustrations for love stories, as illustrations in the instruction of young brides, and as lucky charms carried by warriors during war. 
From the primitive painters, such as Moronobu, the classical ones, like Utamaro, and finally to the so-called decadent artists, such as Kunisada, all have produced masterpieces in this genre. Secretly collected in Europe during the XIX century by artists and amateurs, they are now openly appreciated as a mirror of the customs and people of their time and can be found today displayed in the finest libraries of the world


Visconti found out these erotic panels and has reproduced the illustrations of a very limited series of precious fountain pens. Due to the extremely erotic subject matter, it was decided not to paint on to the body of the pen so as to maintain a more discreet appearance. The idea was to secrete the illustration under a precious metal body that has been etched with illustration representing two lovers reading a Shunga book (Nishikawa Surenobu).
Made in black ebonite, with glossy dark sterling silver finishing.


Is distinguished by his compositional elegance and clarity as well as an exceptional quality of nude drawing with fluent lines reminiscent of the styles of Matisse or Picasso.
The two subjects have been reproduced from the Emakimono horizontal miniate entitled "Mosha Tamagawa" or the reflections of Tamagawa, which is one of the 6 rivers in the bay of Edo, representing 6 couples of lovers. 
Pen is new and never been used. The fountain pen has never been dipped nor inked. Comes with original wooden box, paper as shown above, ink pot and eye dropper.  I accept money order, bank draft, credit card or even wire. Conditions apply for credit card.