In both ancient China and Japan, the concept of sexual pleasure and desire was approached with a mix of reverence and practicality. While these cultures have long embraced the use of erotic objects in rituals and personal life, the concept of “love dolls” specifically emerged more in Japan, where the use of erotic figurines and dolls has deep historical roots.
In ancient China, sexual culture was often influenced by Daoist beliefs, which emphasized the importance of sexual harmony and energy between partners. While there is limited evidence of the use of sex dolls in ancient China, symbolic representations of sexual desire were common. Erotic art, paintings, and figurines have been discovered from the Tang Dynasty and earlier, often depicting idealized sexual forms. These objects were used to reflect the Daoist pursuit of sexual immortality and vitality, symbolizing the union of opposites—Yin and Yang.
In Japan, however, the tradition of erotic dolls has a more direct historical lineage. In the Edo period (1603-1868), Japan developed a practice known as “shōzō,” which involved the creation of lifelike sexual dolls. These dolls were often used in private rituals and personal pleasure, especially by men who were unable to form traditional relationships due to social constraints or isolation. These dolls were considered to be representations of idealized femininity, and they were thought to provide sexual satisfaction and companionship.
The historical use of erotic dolls in both China and Japan reflects a deep cultural interest in the relationship between sexual fulfillment, desire, and spirituality. While the dolls were not as commonly used as in later European cultures, they represent an early understanding of the intersection between sexual desire and symbolic objects.