The Jewelry of Southeast Asia
Only through a historical overview can anyone appreciate contemporary art--a maxim that holds true for jewelry as well as the finer arts. Richter, author ofArts andCrafts of Indonesia (1994), expands her considerable knowledge of Southeast Asia through centuries of gems, precious metals, and rare materials such as giant clamshells, agates, and ivory. With clear roots extending into the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, the earliest baubles and beads showcase a well-rounded aesthetic sense and sensitivity to media. Scholarly text, occasionally soporific, traces the evolution of jewelry in each country, from Burma to the Philippines, augmented in part by black-and-white period photographs. The piece de resistance, however, is attached to the end of each chapter, where color photographs reveal the true artistry of our Eastern neighbors--whether pigeon-blood Burmese rubies or incredibly intricate silver chatelaines from Vietnam. Appended are maps, notes, bibliography, materials, and techniques.Barbara JacobsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.