Object of the Week: An 18th century ivovy dildo hidden for 100 years in a Paris convent

This article originally appeared on Culture24.

Possibly French in origin and owned by a rich woman during the 18th century, this dildo stands up to inspection in the Science Museum's collection

This “exceptional” 18th century ivory dildo, in the form of an erect penis, includes a pump to simulate ejaculation.

It was found in a convent in Paris, having been hidden for almost 100 years in the seat of a Louis XV armchair, and has its own cloth bag.

Its quality and use of fine materials clearly distinguishes it from the more common leather dildo of the period, which was moulded into shape using old rags. This dildo probably belonged to a lady of considerable wealth.

Though not as visible in society male as pleasurable pursuits, this object serves to highlight the access some women in the Georgian era had to erotica and sex toys.

• In Pursuit of Pleasure: The Polite and Impolite World of Georgian Entertainment is at Fairfax House, York until December 31 2016.

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Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/art559649-dildo-science-museum-fairfax-house-georgian