Three Chinese blue and white 'Erotic' wine cups, Yan Shui Yu Shi Zhi Zhen and Chenghua mark, Kangxi

Dia.: 5,9 cm - H.: 4,7

Erotic art is an eminent part of the cultural heritage of ancient China, and was already flourishing in pre-Imperial times. With its peak during the late-Ming period, this art remained a fixed feature in Chinese literature and visual arts until well into the 20th century.

Chinese erotic art is a search for beauty in all its manifestations, for not only does it offer stimulation, it provides a source of great aesthetic pleasure. It never presents sex in a crude or pornographical way, but within a framework of beauty and harmony, enhanced with details of a profound or symbolic nature.

Provenance: A private Dutch collection. 

Ref.: 
- Sotheby's New York, 19 March 2019, lot 365 for a related larger pair (sold 55.000,00 USD) (link)

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