In this exquisite representation we have an example of scrimshaw, originally known as works of art created from the byproducts of whales by sailors in their spare time.

Ancient cultures from across the globe have artistically depicted carnal love in a bevy of various manifestations, including paintings, sculpture, photographs, dramatic arts, music and writings that show scenes of a sexual nature throughout time. They have been created by nearly every civilization, ancient and modern. The Greeks, the Indians, the Peruvians and multiple African cultures focused on primal love with wild abandon. It's good to know that all cultures revert to primal pleasure. Never the less, we are focusing, right now on the Chinese.

Over the course of history Chinese and Japanese cultures have developed Shunga, an extremely old erotic art form, both on paper and anything that would take an image, in this case bone.
This grouping has 10 different images of a couple in various sexual poses, replicating the Kama Sutra (originally from India). Although originally strung on a string for hanging, it can also be placed in a stand or laid in a shadow box or a coffee table. Very detailed etchings!

Total of 10 panels. Not quite perfection, confirming it’s vintage authenticity!

Measurements are 4” in height by 1 1/4” wide.