Lot 100B
**First Time At Auction**
East Asia, China, late Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A collection of thirty incised ox bones, in three groups of ten, each tied together with string. Each depicts a sexual act, with its name written above it in Chinese characters. The depictions are graphic and frank, many with extensive details of background contributing to their realness. In 19th century China, brothels were kept by women, giving them a rare opportunity for financial independence, and to exercise entrepreneurial skills. From studies of letters from prostitutes in Hong Kong, we know that women aspired to this position, which came with the legal responsibility of keeping brothels in good order, and networking opportunities for businesswomen to interact with the government. A woman would have been the creator of this "menu", using it as an important advertising tool to showcase the services offered by her workers. Approximate size of each bone panel: 1.7" W x 5.1" H (4.3 cm x 13 cm)
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection
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#128355
- Condition: Excellent aged patina on bone surfaces. All images are readable and nearly all are well-preserved, with two that have enough wear to have small losses to their artwork.
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