How mysterious are the attitudes of other cultures to sex! In the West, we came to think of it as shameful (Eve got the blame, of course). It was to be hidden, confined by religious dictat to the marriage bed and only enjoyed beyond that in furtive corners. Shunga and its popularity show us a different culture. “Spring pictures” they were called, or “pillow pictures”, and were often presented to brides on the eve of their wedding. They were seen as fitting gifts for strangers: Commodore Matthew Perry, who helped open Japan to the world, was presented with one: “Proof,” wrote his lieutenant, “of the lewdness of this exclusive people.” In 1804 the admiral of the Russian fleet was given shunga, so was the Russian ambassador to Japan. Their response is not recorded.