Sotheby's Concise Encyclopedia of Silver

Examines an array of silver objects, ranging from ancient drinking vessells to contemporary jewel encrusted objects, and provides information on their creators

Previous volumes from Sotheby's firm of art experts and auction houses have portrayed historic trends and design styles of fine porcelain, glass, and furniture. The latest addition to the series is a handsome encyclopedia that was written as a survey of silver objects but, in many cases, portrays their creators as well. Authorities in the field of decorative arts present individual sections devoted to a wide array of ware fabricated during various epochs of silver design, from ancient drinking vessels to jewel-encrusted objects made for wealthy patrons in recent years. In addition to the informative text, color photographs constitute an up-to-date record of many of the finest surviving silver artifacts and the shifting design styles. For growing numbers of collectors, or for anyone who appreciates fine metalwork, this is an appealing study. Alice Joyce

Another in Sotheby's series, this work serves as a unique history of silverwork, from Mesopotamia circa 3000 B.C. to the post-World War II era. Essays by 15 specialists address medieval, Renaissance, European, and American silver, with more than usual coverage given to arts and crafts, art nouveau, and art deco pieces. Photographs of each representative piece are stunningly reproduced to reveal details of the period or style. A glossary, descriptions of hallmarks and standards, and brief biographical sketches of major artisans are included. Appropriate for reference and circulating collections.
- Joseph Hewgley, Nashville P.L.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.