Korea: Art and Archaeology
Preceding the opening at the British Museum of a permanent gallery for Korean art, this book is written to inform and raise enthusiasm in nonspecialists. Portal (Oriental antiquities, British Museum) pieces together an overview of the artistic heritage of the Korean peninsula. It is the first authoritative general introduction to the art of this distinctive culture in English and fills a void by covering an area of research long neglected by the art community in the West. Richly illustrated with examples of metalwork, sculpture, lacquer, celadons, paintings, and prints, this book traces the development of arts chronologically in the context of the country's politics, religion, commerce, and relationships with neighboring countries, especially China and Japan. Although a more in-depth look into various intriguing aspects of these riches is still needed, this book, including chronologies, a glossary, and appendixes, paves the way for inspiring scholarship in the field. A fine choice for both public and academic libraries.-Lucia S. Chen, NYPLCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.