The Art of Indonesian Textiles: The E. M. Bakwin Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago

Majlis, Brigitte Kahn, and Mayer-Thurman, Christa C (Introduction by)

ISBN 10: 0300119461 / ISBN 13: 9780300119466

Published by Art Institute of Chicago, 2007

About this Item

The Book is in Very Good+ condition. Showcasing nearly seventy works, this special issue of Museum Studies explores the E. M. Bakwin Collection of Indonesian textiles, which entered the Art Institute of Chicago in 2002. Lavish illustrations and accessibly written essays introduce readers to a rich variety of ceremonial objects from hangings to sarongs, investigating the sources, motifs, and uses of one of Asia's most spectacular art forms.Often worn on special occasions or presented as a gift or offering, an Indonesian textile might illustrate its owner's ethnic identity or descent, give spiritual protection, display status, or strengthen alliances. Each piece in the E. M. Bakwin Collection can be read as an image of the local culture that produced it and is full of information on cosmic beliefs, venerated customs, technical expertise, social structures, and trade links. These splendid objects represent the finest examples of Indonesia's textile heritage and evoke the cultural complexity of this crossroads region, which was shaped by influences from China, India, Europe, and the Middle East.

Seller Inventory # SKU2010023057

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Art of Indonesian Textiles: The E. M. Bakwin Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago
• Publisher: Art Institute of Chicago
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0300119461
• ISBN 13: 9780300119466
• Binding: Trade paperback
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 7 ounces
• Seller catalogs:
  • Art

About this title

Synopsis

Showcasing nearly seventy works, this special issue of Museum Studies explores the E. M. Bakwin Collection of Indonesian textiles, which entered the Art Institute of Chicago in 2002. Lavish illustrations and accessibly written essays introduce readers to a rich variety of ceremonial objects from hangings to sarongs, investigating the sources, motifs, and uses of one of Asia's most spectacular art forms.
Often worn on special occasions or presented as a gift or offering, an Indonesian textile might illustrate its owner's ethnic identity or descent, give spiritual protection, display status, or strengthen alliances. Each piece in the E. M. Bakwin Collection can be read as an image of the local culture that produced it and is full of information on cosmic beliefs, venerated customs, technical expertise, social structures, and trade links. These splendid objects represent the finest examples of Indonesia's textile heritage and evoke the cultural complexity of this crossroads region, which was shaped by influences from China, India, Europe, and the Middle East.

About the Author

Brigitte Khan Majlis is curator of the textile department at the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum of Ethnography, Cologne, Germany.