China: Woodblock illustration to the 1894 edition of Ròu pútuá or 'The Carnal Prayer Mat', an erotic novel by Qing dynasty author Li Yu (1610-1680). A woman spies on two gay men

Li Yu (Chinese: 李漁; pinyin: Lǐ Yú, given name: 仙侣 Xiānlǚ; style name: 笠翁 Lìwēng) (1610–1680 AD), also known as Li Liweng, was a Chinese playwright, novelist and publisher. Born in Rugao, in present day Jiangsu province, he lived in the late-Ming and early-Qing dynasties. Although he passed the first stage of the imperial exams, he did not succeed in passing the higher levels before the political turmoil of the new dynasty, but instead turned to writing for the market.

Li is the presumed author of Ròu pútuán (肉蒲團, 'The Carnal Prayer Mat'). In his time he was widely read, and appreciated for his daringly innovative subject matter. He addresses the topic of same-sex love in the tale Cuìyǎ lóu (萃雅樓, 'House of Gathered Refinements').

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

HUMAN SEXUALITY