Erotic Thai Temple Murals

Thai temple murals typically depict episodes from the Buddha's life or his former lives as described in the Jataka Tales, but to make them relevant to local people many contain scenes from contemporary village life. Some of these scenes are humorous, bawdy, and occasionally somewhat erotic in nature.

Women and female celestials in Thai temple murals often have gravity-defying, melon-like breasts, and are sometimes depicted topless. This isn't really surprising as in former times some village women didn't bother to cover their breasts. What is surprising, however, is that such titillating art is allowed in buildings used by celibate monks and where women are expected to cover their legs and shoulders when visiting.