This album illustrates classic homoerotic themes from the Ming dynasty novel Longyang Yishi (The Unofficial History of Longyang), written by the reclusive scholar Zui Zhu of Jingjiang in the fifth year of Chongzhen (1632).
In Longyang Yishi, there are few depictions of tender emotions; instead, the novel predominantly portrays explicit monetary transactions. The book frequently mentions how the prosperity of male courtesans (xiaoguan) impacted the business of female entertainers (guyu). In some areas, entire establishments were built specifically for male courtesans, and there were even individuals who made a fortune by trafficking them. The novel provides meticulous descriptions of the hierarchy, operations, and relationships between courtesans, brokers, and wealthy patrons, vividly reflecting the flourishing male courtesan culture in the Hangzhou region. Through its realism and lively depictions, Longyang Yishi offers an authentic glimpse into late-Ming societal life.
The 1994 printed edition, published in Taiwan, features a cover illustration from the 1632 edition that depicts a homoerotic scene—an elegant lady peeking from behind a curtain as two men engage in intimacy. This artwork is included in the present album. The collection is archived in the Indiana University Library, U.S.A.