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were aware of the detail as the silken robes were only very rarely removed. I had the temerity to ask whether they might be homosexuals and received the full blast of indignation. How could I even think of such a thing - they were deified humans, spirits [shen]. I then asked whether there were any other similarly carved images portraying the Princes thus - but this time I realised that I had outstayed my welcome. We never did find out whether any similar images are on Chinese altars elsewhere.