• A full-color collection of Eastern erotic art that presents lovemaking as a highly spiritual expression.
• Brings together some of the finest examples of erotic art from India and Nepal, including pieces from the private collection of Nepalese royalty.
• Includes commentaries and translations of verse from authentic Tantric treatises.
• Companion book to
The Erotic Sentiment in the Paintings of China and Japan.
Hindu culture has always viewed lovemaking as one of the highest forms of spiritual and artistic expression. In the past it was customary to present newlyweds with beautifully painted erotic manuals on their wedding night. These "pillow books," often illustrated by great artists, helped to break down barriers and initiate the young couples into the aesthetics and techniques of physical love.
A variety of pillow books are represented in
The Erotic Sentiment, bringing together some of the finest examples from India and Nepal, including pieces from the private collection of a Nepalese king. Accompanying these exquisite reproductions are commentaries and translations of verse from authentic Tantric treatises. Together with the paintings, they elevate physical love to the spiritual realm of joyous ecstasy.
Beautiful erotic scrolls, manuals, or books were customarily presented in Oriental cultures to couples on the occasion of their marriage. These "pillow books" served to break down barriers and initiate the newlyweds into the aesthetics and techniques of physical love. A variety of artistic styles from the pillow books is presented here, bringing together some of the finest examples from India and Nepal.
"Recommended for connoisseurs in such matters who also happen to be interested in the philosophical background of Eastern erotic art."
