Concubines and Courtesans

Concubines and courtesans. Women in Chinese Erotic Art presents for the first time a richly illustrated overview of Chinese erotic art, and at the same time devotes considerable attention to the important role played by women. The collection features a wide range of objects and paintings, the vast majority dating from the late Ming dynasty to the rise of Shanghai in the early 20th century. During this 3-century period, which saw many economic, political, social and cultural upheavals, an erotic art form began to emerge, with Western influences slowly creeping in. Photographs of brothels and their occupants help the reader visualize Chinese erotic culture, and give an idea of the world as evoked in the works of art.