Bookplates (also called Ex Libris, Latin for "from the books of") are small decorative labels pasted into a book, often on the front endpaper, to indicate ownership. The first Ex Libris books were highly valuable and prestigious objects to own, hence the first bookplates usually incorporated the decorative coats of arms of the fabulously wealthy. By the late nineteenth century, bookplates became an art form practiced by artists across Europe and beyond.
We’ve selected our favorite exceptional erotic bookplates created and signed by some of the most brilliant European "ex-libris erotica" artists. If you wish to be introduced to the history and unique format of bookplates with a large showcase drawn from the rich collections of the British Museum, you can check out the book "Ex-Libris: The Art of Bookplates." created by the chief chronicler of the development of the bookplate, Martin J. Hopkinson.
For more erotic bookplates images, check out: ex-libris.net.
