Lesbian relationship. In ancient times it was not just in the West. But also in the Middle East and in the Far East.
The Middle East
Lesbian contact was not uncommon in the Arab harem due to the nature of the situation. Some girls never met the sultan. These girls had sex with their guards, or if they were lesbians, by each other. However, perhaps due to the sultan’s vanity, retaliation also occurred. For example, Caliph al-Hadi sentenced two girls to be beheaded who were caught when they were in love with each other.
Lesbian relationship in China
Through the duality of yin-yang, gender has played a significant role in Chinese thought and society. However, the recognition of sexuality has gone through substantial fluctuations in Chinese history. From the unrestrained detailed literary discussion, depictions to a quite harsh prohibition and prairie. Ancient Chinese erotica drew both from individual Taoist religious practices and the courtesan culture prevalent in the imperial court.
Homosexuality was recognized in China since ancient times. They mentioned homosexuality in many famous works in Chinese literature, and it was popular in the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The Chinese called the lesbian relationship a passion for sliced peaches. There are also lesbian descriptions in some history books.
Most erotic works during the Ming and Qing dynasties focused on the imperial court and its imaginary practices. There are a wide variety of erotic representations in these works. They also include a threesome, lesbian intercourse, male homosexuality, oral and anal acts, and orgies.
In the Ming Age, maximum freedom prevailed. Erotic art flourished. The society entirely accepted polygamy, and alongside prostitution.
They published several scientifically demanding sexual manuals on the different positions and their role in achieving child blessing. The lesbian relationship was also completely natural, with no adverse consequences.
Read more about the sex and eroticism in the ancient China!
Lesbian relationship in Japan
There are several Heian diaries in Japan that refer to homosexual acts. Homosexuality for both men and women was a topic.
There is also a reference to emperors involved in homosexual relationships. “Handsome boys kept by emperors for sexual purposes.” There are indications in other literary works. For example a man fell in love with a girl. But the girl was actually a man who was dressed as a girl. Japanese erotic images (shunga) depict heterosexual, homosexual, and lesbian relationships alike.
Related article here, Sappho and lesbianism!