Magical ancient beads: From the collection of Ulrich J. Beck - Hardcover

Jamey Allen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 9812047921 ISBN 13: 9789812047922

Publisher: Times Editions, 1998

Synopsis

This book explores the fascinating world of beads. Beads represent the oldest form of art and were probably the first durable ornaments of mankind desired not only for their beauty, but for the religious or superstitious beliefs associated with those times. Made of materials such as shell, bone, seed, wood, metal and glass, beads' durability, portability and universal attractiveness have made them units of currency in many parts of the world. Filled with rich photographs of a vast collection of beautiful beads!

About this title

From the Author:

I was approached in 1996 by Ulrich Beck to assist him in composing a pictorial book about his collection of beads.  He had lived in Indonesia, and was a noted collector of Ming Dynasty ceramic export wares, and of old Javanese beads.  In retirement, Ulrich continued to pursue architecture, and traveled to many regions where he converted old buildings into hospitals.  On these trips, he would sometimes buy interesting beads.  At the time we met, he and his family had moved to southern Portugal.  Ulrich was motivated to compose a book in which beads would be shown, not as abstract elements of academic research, but as art objects--respecting their long-time function as amulets, and as artifacts of cunning and beauty.  The photographs were not to show beads in sterile lines, suggesting some sort of classification, but rather in interesting contexts, in which an artistic statement would be offered.  Christopher Leggett, the primary photographer, did not know about beads, but used them inspirationally to create scenes, from elements that he had on-hand.  The results are mixed, but sometimes beautiful.   Ulrich also asked several people, myself included, to compose essays about beads, from their individual perspectives.  I was hired to edit these submissions, and to compose the introductory essays for the two major divisions of beads, by place of origin/acquisition.  Thus, I became the Author and Editor of the book.  I traveled to Portugal to meet Ulrich and his family, and to see the beads and photographs.  This is not a book I would have chosen to produce--but, as an artist, it is work for which I am proud to be associated.

About the Author:

Jamey D. Allen is an artist specializing in beads and beadwork; and for over forty years has pursued academic bead research.  He is the co-founder of the Society of Bead Researchers (1981), and the author of three books, and many articles and papers of historical import.  He is a frequent lecturer, exhibit curator, and appraiser of bead collections.  From 1999 to 2011 he was the Curator for The Bead Museum in Arizona.

About this edition

• Publisher: Times Editions
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 9812047921
• ISBN 13: 9789812047922
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 147