Book excerpt: "Drawing on the largest collection of erotic art in the world, this book initiates the reader into China's intimate "gardens of pleasure." Over one hundred of the most beautiful masterpieces from this golden age - many never before published - reveal the voluptuous secrets of a lost world. An essay by Jaques Pimpaneau traces the development of Chinese eroticism in its cultural context, emphasizing the influence of religions and historical events on sexual practices. Commentaries by Ferdinand Bertholet explain the cultural symbolism of the paintings." "Beautifully ornamented with poems contemporary with the paintings, this is a collector's volume and a tribute to the unknown masters of Chinese erotic art."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved