NEW YORK, NY.- Imagery of erotic encounters between males is exceptionally scarce in Japanese art, and the sale of such art is equally unusual. Bonhams presents A Rare and Important Nanshoku (Male-Male) Shunga Handscroll by Miyagawa Choshun (1683-1753) at its Fine Japanese Works of Art auction on Mar. 16 during the eighth annual Asia Week New York, a celebration to promote and affirm the cultural importance of Asian art.

The early 18th century handscroll from the Edo period is ink and color on silk (estimate U.S. $35,000-45,000). A precious survival and an important re-discovery, the handscroll has been virtually unseen since the 1970’s.

“In the strictly regulated society of Edo period Japan, it was not unusual for people to yearn for circumstances and opportunities not afforded them by birth,” said Director of Japanese Art Jeff Olson. “For most, costly visits to the pleasure quarters were out of reach, so illustrated erotica was the next best thing.”

Gay shunga (erotic art) typically pairs older, established gentlemen with younger lovers in female attire and hairstyles. Unlike standard shunga, less attention is paid to the genitalia of the dominant male and more directed to the youthful beauty of the lover with a keen focus on his lavish kimono.

“In fact, there are relatively few acts of sex portrayed in the scroll. Rather, a recurring theme of romantic love and tenderness between the lovers is depicted,” Olson said.

Marriages in Edo-period Japan were arranged and love matches were very rare. It was not uncommon for men to sleep with both women and men, though the strict rules of the day kept society in check. Despite this seeming acceptance of male-male coupling, painted images of sexual encounters between males are infrequent in Japanese art, even during the Edo period.

The two fantasy worlds of this period were the pleasure quarters and the theater. Though the government regarded both with suspicion and strictly regulated the activities within, courtesans and actors were objects of fascination.

The handscroll is featured in Fine Japanese Works of Art, the only dedicated Japanese art auction during Asia Week. Bonhams is the only major auction house that holds exclusive Japanese sales in the United States. With more than 200 lots, the auction consists of prints and modern ceramics, among other significant offerings.

During Asia Week, Bonhams also presents From Edo to Tokyo, a special non-selling exhibition of masterpieces of Japanese art from a private collection on view to the public for free from March 10–20. Hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday, 12 p.m.–5 p.m.

This exhibition features 28 masterworks spanning a period of more than 100 years, from late 18th to early 20th centuries, with emphasis on pieces made around 1867 and 1868. It was at that critical moment in Japan’s history that a coalition of reformist samurai finally overthrew the military government of the shoguns and moved the youthful Meiji emperor from the old imperial capital of Kyoto to the seat of shogunal power Edo, which was promptly renamed Tokyo, the “Eastern Capital.” Aside from a handful of works, everything exhibited was created in that great city of Edo/Tokyo.

Auction preview hours (open to the public): Fine Japanese Works of Art from March 10-15. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.