Chinese “pillow Book” Of 12 Erotic Paintings, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

This rare Chinese erotic picture album - or pillow book - dates from the Qing dynasty, and can be dated to the end of the 19th century.
It contains 12 leaves illustrated on one side with large drawings (27.5cm x 21.5cm) in mineral paints and inks representing erotic scenes in Chinese aristocratic interiors.

The drawings are gathered in a book with brocade binding. The colors have remained very fresh and the leaves in excellent condition. They are presented in their precious wooden box.

Chinese erotic art was a tradition that extended from Antiquity until its peak at the end of the Ming dynasty (beginning of the 17th century) and then the Qing period. Chinese eroticism depicts ideals of feminine beauty, stories about imperial and vernacular life, humor, tenderness and love. This type of album was typically offered to newlyweds.

Traditional Chinese erotic art remains a little-known tradition due to the fact that much of the work was destroyed during the Maoist era in the context of the Cultural Revolution.