Chinese Silk Erotic Painting

Two figures in red lean together in a golden-toned room.

This erotic painting on silk is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is watercolor on silk. Erotic imagery has a long history in Chinese art, often produced as albums or scrolls for private viewing, and styles changed across dynasties. A narrow painting with a warm, yellowed ground, showing a room with a hanging floral screen and a tall vase of flowers. Two figures in red garments sit close on a low couch. A plain mat of mottled grey-green surrounds the picture. It is 8.3 inches wide and 14.7 high.

The flowers on the wall are the only ones paying attention.