Liu Dalin's 'L'Empire du désir' Charts Chinese Sexual History
In the January 2009 issue of art press n°352, Vincent Roy examines Liu Dalin's 'L'Empire du désir' (Éditions Robert Laffont), which explores the evolution of Chinese sexuality from the Shang (1765-1122 BCE) and Zhou (1121-771 BCE) dynasties through to the Cultural Revolution. The author argues that ancient China did not associate sin with eroticism, contrasting with Western perspectives. Jacques Pimpaneau's introduction to 'Les Jardins du plaisir' (Philippe Rey, 2005) interprets the tale of Adam and Eve as a narrative about knowledge rather than desire. Additionally, Jean-Claude Pastor's foreword discusses the dynamics of Yin and Yang, while the 'Classic of Changes' connects the union of heaven and earth to sexual relationships. A sacred cave sculpture of a female vulva can be found in Jianchuan, Yunnan. Liu's writing adopts a neutral stance, reflecting the censorship present in the People's Republic of China.
Key facts
- Liu Dalin's 'L'Empire du désir' covers Chinese sexual history from Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Cultural Revolution.
- Ancient China had no link between sin and eroticism, unlike the West.
- Jacques Pimpaneau's preface clarifies the Adam and Eve story is about knowledge, not lust.
- Chinese cosmology sees the universe as generated by Yin and Yang, analogous to sexual union.
- Taoists used sexuality to balance energies and achieve longevity.
- A cave in Jianchuan district, Yunnan, contains a meter-high sacred vulva sculpture (ayangbai).
- The book's neutral tone reflects ongoing censorship on sexual freedom in China.
- Published by Éditions Robert Laffont; reviewed in art press n°352 (January 2009).
Entities
Artists
- Liu Dalin
Institutions
- Éditions Robert Laffont
- art press
- Philippe Rey
Locations
- China
- Jianchuan district
- Yunnan province
- Shang dynasty
- Zhou dynasty
Sources
- artpress —