Circa 1910. Chinese “pillow book”

Also referred to as “spring palace pictures”. A concertina folding book similar to the Japanese “Shunga”. Consisting of 5 double paged erotic scenes. Paper title label reading 春宮画 - “chungong hua” translating to “Erotica”.

Illustrations are painted onto parchment and then pasted onto hardboard. This particular piece, one of two, has vibrant hues and presents explicit illustrations of a newly married couple. Covered with a rich red leather.

In fantastic condition with binding still intact and backed with flecked paper that has delicately aged colouration.

These pieces were believed to bring good luck if tucked away in the home. They were also often gifted to brides in their bridal boxes to use as a reference and guidance for sexual intimacy with their newly wedded husband.