Erotic Art of China by Abraham N. Franzblau

Erotic Art of China

A Unique Collection of Chinese Prints and Poems Devoted to the Art of Love

Introduction by Abraham N. Franzblau

Crown Publishers, 1977, [First Edition], full colour reproduction prints throughout, colour frontispiece, large hardcover with green leather binding and metallic silver Yin/Yang emblem on front

Very Good Condition, a little edge and shelf wear, a little rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, small nick to front spine, no inscriptions (see photographs)

“These pictures bring sex out into the open, and their explicitness combined with the beauty and delicacy of their execution make them very effective exemplars and should be a genuine contribution toward sexual fulfillment and the strengthening of family life.  These prints are clearly not pornography, whose goal is only sexual arousal, but represent a valid form of instruction in the techniques of conjugal love.
Among the ancient Chinese, instruction and guidance in sex was pretty much regarded as a routine obligation of parents, especially with newlyweds (who often were but children), and more especially with females.  Manuals made up of illustrations similar to some in this collection were in widespread use during several periods of Chinese history, often being included in a bride’s trousseau by her parents – hence, the frequent reference to them as “bride’s books”.  
These were periods in Chinese history when sexual attitudes were free of prudery – before and during the T’ang dynasty (618-907), for example...”