Twenty-nine erotic paintings. Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century - Sotheby's 

assembled from at least six different sets; one set of four painted in sepia tones portraying various trade and crafts people coupling; one set of six depicting young couples engaged in erotic acts in outdoor settings; the third set with ten portraying groups and couples in various domestic and garden settings pursuing the pleasures of the 'Spring Palace';  the fourth set with two paintings, one portraying a man getting caught by his wife while with another woman, and one of two young ladies spying on a man; the fifth set of four depicting homosexual acts; and the last set of three portraying elders spying on youngsters; sixteen in ink and color on silk, thirteen in ink and color on paper, all framed and glazed. Height of largest 12 in., 30.5 cm; Width 10 in., 25.4 cm. Estimation: 40,000 - 60,000 USD

PROVENANCE: Sotheby's New York, 31st March and 1st April 2005, lot 309.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. New York | 19 mars 2013 - www.sothebys.com