A three-volume set of Shunga woodblock prints titled, Tales of the Genji, c. 1880, by Kunisada III (1848-1920), also known as Baido, Baido Hosai, Hosai, Kunimasa IV and Toyokuni IV, an under-appreciated artist of the Meiji Period. The subject matter is derived from Murasaki Shikibu's great romantic novel of the eleventh century, Tales of the Genji, that vividly details the life and love affairs of Prince Genji and has had profound influence on literature, both within and outside Japan. Having been produced using the best quality materials, these three books are exceptionally beautiful with rich colors, metallic inks, and double printed to create jewel-like images of sensual pleasure. Each book is in very fine condition without any foxing, however the covers are slightly soiled and one fold out diptych has minor worm damage to one edge. The albums contain one diptych, one four-section fold out, one eight-section fold out, and 40 additional shunga prints in Choban size. 7.1 x 9.6 inches