Arts And Crafts of Thailand - Hardcover

Warren, William; Tettoni, Luca Invernizzi; Invernizzi, Luca

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0811810267 ISBN 13: 9780811810265

Publisher: Chronicle Books Llc, 1996

Synopsis

Textiles, probably the best-known example of Thailand's traditional crafts, form only part of the rich assortment of creative products and techniques presented in Arts and Crafts of Thailand. Over 175 spectacular full-color photographs showcase a wide variety of handicrafts, including baskets, earthenware, water dippers, shimmering silk fabrics, fine silverware, lacquerware, jewelry, furniture, wood carvings, and altar tables and other ceremonial objects. The trappings of Thai theater arts - masks, puppets, dance costumes, and musical instruments - are also represented here. A chapter featuring the innovative commercial crafts of the last two decades, together with a map, glossary, index, and comprehensive bibliography, completes this authoritative volume.
Fascinating, informative, and visually stunning. Arts and Crafts of Thailand contains a treasury of both ordinary and unusual objects, all of them designed and created with ingenuity and expertise, and all of tremendous appeal both to folk art collectors and to anyone with an interest in this remarkable country.

About this title

From Library Journal

The authors of these informative and visually appealing books often discuss the individual crafts?both antique and contemporary?against a backdrop of historical and sociological issues. In their book on India, Cooper and Gillow, who have both written extensively on the topic, examine the influence of India's many ethnic groups on its crafts and culture. Items discussed range from folk murals and handmade paper to sophisticated musical instruments and intricately crafted jewelry. Of particular interest are the chapter that describes India's textile industry and the list of names and addresses of businesses worldwide selling Indian arts and crafts. Jereb approaches Morocco as an anthropologist, thoughtfully examining the differences between Bedouin and urban culture and often comparing the former to tribal concepts typical of Native Americans. Jereb covers all manner of common Moroccan items embellished with decorative motifs?pottery, tools, leather goods, metalwork, rugs and other textiles, jewelry, and woodwork?and because Moroccan crafts are so intricately tied to religious beliefs, he includes tattoos and talismans that ward off the "evil eye" as well. Warren focuses on common household goods and village crafts rather than the architecture and stylish interiors that were at the center of his previous book, Thai Style (Rizzoli, 1989). Thai textiles are beyond compare, and the discussion in this book is detailed, illustrated with vintage photos of costumes and sumptuous color plates of the textiles. Equally captivating are sections describing woodcarvings, theater masks and costumes, basketry, and floral creations. Although temple arts are not included, a section on contemporary Thai crafts presents a very interesting overview of Thailand's artistic achievements. The books on Morocco and Thailand are the latest entries in a series that has already documented the works of Indonesia, Mexico, and South America. All three well-laid-out and informative books offer glossaries, maps, stunning photographs, good bibliographies, and tips on collecting; all three would be worthwhile additions to most libraries with collection emphasizing arts, crafts, or travel.?Margarete Gross, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chronicle Books Llc
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0811810267
• ISBN 13: 9780811810265
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160