Authentic Meiji-period Japanese shunga erotic woodblock print miniature envelope set (c.1880–1890).  A complete and highly unusual set of six miniature ukiyo-e envelopes, each featuring cleverly disguised erotic imagery hidden within scenes connected to Japanese cuisine and sensual humor.
 
At first glance, the compositions appear playful and decorative — shellfish, food preparation, feminine beauty, and elegant details — yet each image carries unmistakable sexual symbolism typical of late Edo / early Meiji visual wordplay and shunga trick-picture culture (mitate-e style - erotic parody imagery).
 
The set includes six different miniature erotic envelope prints, all preserved together inside their original outer wrapper featuring a giant open mouth, immediately signaling the playful and overtly erotic humor hidden within.
 
The imagery ranges from boldly suggestive phallic symbolism—including a tengu mask standing in for an erection—to fingering clams as a metaphor for female anatomy, breast-shaped vegetables & fans, and a daikon radish nestled within pink folds suggestive of penetration.  Together, these playful visual riddles create a rare surviving example of humorous, inventive, and psychologically engaging Meiji-era erotic design.
 
Outer woodblock print wrapper measures approximately 12 cm x 6.5 cm (closed).
Each miniature envelope picture measures approximately 4.5 cm x 9.5 cm 
 
Condition is exceptionally strong for the period, with very fresh colors and attractive impressions throughout. No backing or flaws to note of. Only two of the pieces show a couple of tiny pinholes. Please see and judge from photos provided.
 
A remarkably scarce and eccentric survivor from late 19th-century Japan — simultaneously humorous, erotic, artistic, and culturally revealing — a true collector's gem of antique erotica.
 
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