Published by D.B. Taraporevala Sons & Co Private Limited: Bombay 1962 1st Edition
"Kama Shilpa: A Study of Indian Sculptures Depicting Love in Action by Francis Leeson is a scholarly examination of the erotic tradition within the sculpture of the Indian subcontinent. Rather than treating these works merely as curiosities, Leeson considers their religious, cultural and artistic meanings, discussing the place of love, fertility and sexuality within Hindu, Jain and Buddhist art.
Beginning with early sculptural forms and comparisons, the author traces the subject across successive periods of Indian history. Particular attention is given to the celebrated temple sculpture of Khajuraho, together with works from such centres as Badami and other important archaeological and sacred sites. Individual carvings are identified, dated and interpreted with reference to mythology, symbolism, social custom and classical writings including the Kama Sutra.
The volume is extensively illustrated with 96 photographs of masterpieces of erotic sculpture from the Indian subcontinent. These range from ancient fertility figures and images of divine consorts to celestial couples, dancers and remarkably explicit temple carvings. Detailed accompanying notes explain the location, approximate date, subject and significance of each work, making this both a substantial visual record and a serious contribution to the study of Indian art.
Published in Bombay by D.B. Taraporevala Sons & Co Private Limited in 1962, this is the stated First Edition, printed in India and preserved in its striking original photographic dustjacket. Particularly evocative of its era is the publisher's notice declaring that sale was "strictly restricted" to members of the medical and legal professions, scholars and research students of Indology, psychology and the social sciences. An unusual and visually impressive mid-century study, complete with all illustrations and highly collectible in its original dustjacket."
Light wear to dustjacket with some minor chipping as shown. Minor tape residue remains from an old plastic dust cover which quite oddly, left a minor chemical odor with the book - minor, not particularly unpleasant but still just noticeable to me. Pages clean and well presented although a small tear was noticed on page 64 as shown. No loose pages. A nice copy of a scarce title in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
