Erotic Chinese Export Reverse Painting on Glass

Period: 1700-1900

Origin: China

Medium: Wood, Glass

Literature: The Chinese created erotic paintings on glass both for themselves and for the export trade to Europe. Small panels on glass such as this example were often inserted into the backs of a ships Captains shaving mirror.
The skill required to execute reverse glass paintings is greater than that needed to decorate fine porcelain, and subject matter ranged from the mythological, to religious, literary, political and historical depictions mostly copied by the Chinese artists from European prints. However, this rare erotic glass painting was taken from an earlier Chinese original on silk or paper.