Unique and well executed erotic theme snuff bottles are really a bit rare, and the nice ones can be a bit expensive..
I find it interesting, and even odd that we do not see more erotic, or even love story related theme examples on 19th and early 20th century porcelain, and inside painted bottles.
This Japanese erotica themed bottle of Okame I just purchased is one of those unique examples at 2 1/2". Representing Okame with female genitlaia in combination with her mouth, with male genitalia as the back and top of her head. Ploychrome porcelain with original spoon. It is dated Hongxian Nian Zhi, 1916 (Hongxian Period Make). Probably made about 1930.
Okame, also known as Uzume or Otafuku is the name for the female half of a traditional Japanese Kyogen theatre pair. She is considered to be the goddess of mirth ( folklore/magic ), and is frequently seen in Japanese art.
The concept of "erotic art" ( Shunga ) may have emerged in the Edo period when every form of popular culture flourished. This does not mean there were not earlier works of erotica. Very early works were by highly literate nobles and were often considered workds of art. Japanese mythology later formulated into the system known as Shinto, and makes multiple references to sexuality, and almost always in a positive manner.
Until the 1950's, erotica was still very limited in production. Open sexual expressions were permitted in novels and woodblock form, but strict control was applied on photographs and films. During World War ll, erotic materials were banned altogether.
As the artistic medium of Chinese snuff bottle go we commonly see themes related to popular stories or parables like Filial Piety, Dreams of the Red Chamer, and a few others. Yet I have never seen an early IP with erotic poetic love story related themes. Can not say that I have ever even seen an early porcelain, or IP painted Concubines, or Courtesans that show foot binding which was such an erotic obsession of the entire Chinese race for ten centuries..
Erotic Chinese art in letters and pictures was a tradition that spanned from antiquity until its apex in the Late Ming Dynasty (early 17th Century). This art was not just produced for stimulation. Chinese erotica was layered in ideals of feminine beauty, narratives on imperial and vernacular life and most importantly, humor, tenderness and love. However, after the last dynasty and between the two republics (1912 and 1949), Chinese sexual art was suppressed by modern Confucius followers and Western missionaries resulting in the destruction of many pieces.
As a result, today it is very rare to find an authentic Chinese erotica example like this one made between the two republics..
