Kabuki Album

A 1920s album containing photographs and postcards of famous Japanese Kabuki actors. Kabuki theatre is a classical Japanese dance drama which started in the very early 17th century and continues until today, retaining many of its unique elements. Worthy of note among these elements are the feminine roles and postures that some of the male Kabuki actors played. Perhaps gender roles were accepted as fluid in societies centuries older than our current, modern one. Or perhaps the theatrical stage has always been a place for humanity to explore and question its definitions. The album contains 93 photos, each capturing different aspects of the human soul in a variety of peculiar situations.

Risque Tins

On the left is a beautifully illustrated biscuit tin from Huntley & Palmer, who are one of the oldest biscuit makers in the world. On the right, is a marked, Chinese silver card case, available at Maitreya Arts of Asia. Although the two items were made more than a century apart, they have more than a few themes in common: leisure, nature, family ...and public fornication. The image on the biscuit tin was mistakenly believed to have been designed by a disgruntled employee, when in fact the artist (Mick Hill from Berkshire) stated that he was simply "having a bit of fun". Three distinctly naughty details can be identified upon close inspection, the most obvious of which is the two dogs having sex in the tall grass by the picnic table. The two dogs on the card case, however, seem to have no such need for privacy as they are engaged in the act two feet away from the table. The biscuit tin was made in 1979, whereas the card case is from the late 19th century.

Extreme Fashion

In earlier times in China, it was quite fashionable for women to bind their feet. The smaller the feet, the more attractive they were considered. It was also a status symbol amongst the wealthy. Women could barely stand stand let alone walk in these otherwise delicately made shoes, so they had to either sit or be carried. Thankfully, this fashion trend has passed.

Risqué Reflections

A hand mirror with a risqué secret. This rare, turn of the century western style hand mirror is likely of Cantonese origin. The handle and back inlaid with jade and coral floral decorations, it seems a rather mundane piece, until one notices the latch and hinge discretely moulded into the back panel. The mirror swings open to reveal an erotic scene of two lovers. The piece exemplifies the discretion around sexual mores typical of this time period for this area.

Risqué Reflections

A hand mirror with a risqué secret.  This rare, turn of the century western style hand mirror is likely of Cantonese origin.  The handle and back inlaid with jade and coral floral decorations, it seems a rather mundane piece, until one notices the latch and hinge discretely moulded into the back panel.  The mirror swings open to reveal an erotic scene of two lovers.  The piece exemplifies the discretion around sexual mores typical of this time period for this area.