Close-up – serie

This stunning book offers an introduction to and an exceptional view of an imposing collection of arts from across the Islamic world, highlighting outstanding examples of design, workmanship and craft in paintings and manuscripts, calligraphy, metalwork, ceramics, jade, glass, wood and ivory. The book opens with an explanation of the characteristics common to artistic creativity stretching back to the seventh century, from Spain to Indonesia. Works of superlative quality are then organised into chapters relating to central themes such as religion and belief, the supernatural and natural worlds, feasting, the hunt, war, music and power. The author explores each magnificent artwork in turn, providing cultural context and pointing out special features. By showing the complete artwork as well as enlarged details – sometimes virtually invisible to the naked eye – intriguing comparisons can be drawn and juxtapositions made between seemingly unrelated media. The selection of illustrations evokes the hand and eye of the most accomplished artists of the Islamic world.

Beautifully illustrated with an array of Chinese art, this book offers a closer look at the rich variety of styles, decoration, motifs and patterns – and the sheer craftsmanship – of Chinese culture. The book is arranged thematically and opens by taking a look at the essential nature and meaning of Chinese art. Chapters that follow place the objects and designs into their cultural context. Each of the intriguing and beautiful artworks is then explored further with amazing close-up views, allowing the reader to get even closer than a behind-the-scenes museum or gallery tour. By showing the complete artwork alongside a detail, the authors provide a fresh view of each object which often allows intriguing comparisons between seemingly unrelated objects and media. The selection of art and details evoke the hand and eye of the most talented Chinese craftsmen past and present. Ideal as a spur to creative inspiration or as souvenir or introduction to a museum visit, this stunning book offers an alternative view of the wide range of Chinese art. The book highlights in close-up and gorgeous colour the most breathtaking aspects of workmanship, materials and design found in stunning ceramics, lacquer, jade, metalwork, brush painting and woodblock printing.

Beautifully illustrated with an array of Japanese art, this book offers a closer look at the rich variety of styles, decoration, motifs and patterns – and the sheer craftsmanship – of Japanese culture. Opening with an introduction that asks ‘What is Japanese art?’, this book presents a selection of striking and fascinating art from Japan, organised into a series of thematic chapters in which the author provides cultural context while pointing out exceptional features. By showing the complete artwork alongside enlarged details – sometimes virtually invisible to the naked eye – intriguing comparisons can be drawn between seemingly unrelated pieces. The selection of illustrations evokes the hand and eye of the most accomplished Japanese craftsmen and women past and present. Offering a superb insight into a wide array of Japanese art, the book highlights – close up and in colour – outstanding examples of design and craft in prints, paintings and screens, metalwork, ceramics, wood, stone and lacquer and will provide endless creative inspiration.

Now available in paperback, this is the latest title in a successful series of strikingly designed, collectable books offering a closer look at the rich variety of styles, decoration, motifs and patterns – and the sheer craftsmanship – of world cultures. This beautiful book offers a striking and unusual view of a wide array of Indian art. It highlights – close up and in colour – outstanding examples of design, workmanship and craft in dramatic sculptures of metal, stone and wood as well as sumptuous paintings and textiles. The book opens with an introduction asking ‘What is Indian art?’ This is followed by a series of chapters showing how the functions and purposes of each object reflect its cultural context and determine the choice of image. By illustrating the complete artifact as well as exceptional features through the use of enlarged details – sometimes virtually invisible to the naked eye – intriguing insights and unusual comparisons can be made. The selection of details evokes the hand and eye of the most accomplished Indian craftsmen over thousands of years. Ideal as a souvenir or introduction to any museum or gallery visit, this book will also provide endless creative inspiration.