The Erotic Sentiment in the Paintings of India and Nepal [Paperback]

Nik Douglas (Author), Penny Slinger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997

 
•  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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Lush reproductions of paintings from India and Nepal that are pure eroticism. Nothing is left to the imagination, the vibrant colors capture lovemaking. All positions included. The introduction and running commentary by authors Douglas and Slinger treat love in all its seasons."
(

The Book Reader

)

"Recommended for connoisseurs in such matters who also happen to be interested in the philosophical background of Eastern erotic art."
(

Spectrum Review?

)

About the Author

Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger are the authors of Sexual Secrets, Erotic Sentiment: In the Paintings of China and Japan and The Secret Dakini Oracle, and Douglas is the author of Spiritual Sex, and The Path of the Mystic Lover. Douglas studied Eastern art, philosophy, and sexual traditions while living for eight years in the Himalayas. He is one of the world's leading authenticators of Oriental art. Penny Slinger is a graduate of Chelsea College of Fine Arts and one of Europe's foremost erotic artists. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Park Street Press (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892816856
• ISBN-13: 978-0892816859
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,949,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Under-serves a great tradition, July 17, 2011

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wiredweird "wiredweird" (Earth, or somewhere nearby) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Erotic Sentiment in the Paintings of India and Nepal (Paperback)

In itself, this presents a fairly enjoyable sampling of Indian erotic art, with a few Nepalese specimens thrown in. Styles vary, from simplistic to elaborately detailed. Wide ranges of postures appear, with frequent reference to the Kama Sutra's name for some pose or other.

Although generally well done, a few of the reproductions displayed uncertain focus. Then, each work appears without notes about the artist, region of India, or even the century in which the artist worked. Anyone interested in more of a given style is just out of luck - you won't find any clues here.

I recommend the The Kama Sutra Illuminated instead of this. The pictures are larger and more varied, and at least a little more cultural context comes with the art.

-- wiredweird