Chinese Art III: Textiles, Glass and Painting on Glass, Carvings in Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn, Carvings in Hardstones, Snuff Bottles, Inkcakes and Inkstones - Softcover

Soame Jenyns; William Watson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 084780366X ISBN 13: 9780847803668

Publisher: Rizzoli Intl Pubns, 1982

Synopsis

The decorative crafts in China were an essential element in the unbroken tradition of technical and designing skills which sustained fine art in its most developed forms through three millennia of Chinese history. Throughout this book, the author puts us in touch with the quintesential aspects of Chinese taste. His chapter on textiles covers the whole development of this craft from the Shang dynasty onwards. That on glass and painting on glass is a pioneering account of a type of craft little known to the West. In writing about carvings in ivory and rhinoceros horn he deals expertly with a subject which, of all those he handles, is probably the most familaiar to the West and held in the greatest affection. Among other areas covered in detail are snuff bottles and inkstones. The outstanding skill and sensitivity manifested in the works of these artists are a source of constant delight. The illustrations in color and monochrome reveal the exquisitely fine workmanship in the textiles, the rich and subtle colors of the carvings. These superb examples of Chinese artworks are from museums and private collections in the United States and Europe, and the Far East. This third and final book of a comprehensive series on the many-sided facets of Chinese art and artisanship throughout the centuries comnpletes a detailed study of minor or decorative Chinese arts in which Mr. Jenyns shows the development and meaning of the artistry and craftsmanship of Chinese masters and how deeply they influenced Western art and fashions.

About this edition

• Publisher: Rizzoli Intl Pubns
• Publication date: 1982
• ISBN 10: 084780366X
• ISBN 13: 9780847803668
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 244