Sexy Little Things

Vishvanatha Temple in Khajuraho, India

If you ever travel to Khajuraho, India, you will find yourself surrounded by the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. Unlike other popular cultural centers of North India, the temples of Khajuraho never underwent massive destruction by early Muslim invaders between c. 1100-1400 AD. Today, the temples serve as fine examples of Northern Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their explicit depiction of the traditional way of sexual life during medieval times. (Definitely a far cry from the way we define "traditional" as it relates to modern day sexual practices.)

'The Book of Love' by James McConnachie

In his history of the Kama Sutra, author James McConnachie described the Khajuraho temple sculptures as the apogee of erotic art: "Twisting, broad-hipped and high breasted nymphs display their generously contoured and bejewelled bodies on exquisitely worked exterior wall panels. These fleshy apsaras run riot across the surface of the stone, putting on make-up, washing their hair, playing games, dancing, and endlessly knotting and unknotting their girdles....Beside the heavenly nymphs are serried ranks of griffins, guardian deities and, most notoriously, extravagantly interlocked maithunas, or lovemaking couples." *Whew* I get flustered just reading about it.

In retrospect, these medieval erotic temples make the following modern-day sexy little things seem a bit more conservative (for lack of a better term) wouldn't you say? Although, I must admit, they're still provocative when worn as a fashion accessory or baked into the shape of a chocolate chip cookie. But I'll let you be the judge of that :)

Lovers Ring by Holyland Jewelry

Lovers Necklace at liviuslivesey.com

Resin Rings at brune-woehlke.de

Kneeling Lovers Pendant by Rembrandt Charms

Swing Pendant by Winged Lion

Trapeze Necklace by Tatty Devine

Embrace Pendant at rasnickdesigns.com

Karma Sutra Cookie Cutters at pipparkakan.se

Karma Sutra Ring at Goldpan Jewelry

'Lap Dance' Sketchbook Pendant at elsewares.com