Customer Reviews:
A wonderful coffee table book.......1999-07-13
This lavish volume shows the strong influence of Oriental themes on Nineteenth Century European art. The European fascination with everything Oriental is evident in the wide range of paintings in this book. The author explains how and why the Oriental subjects became so pervasive. She draws extensively on the writings of the artists themselves and their critics to provide the background for this movement. The book is thoroughly illustrated in full color of the highest quality. Subject matter includes striking landscapes & architecturals, historical scenes, native peoples, sensual women & harem scenes. This book is appealing on different levels. As a coffee table book it is beautiful to browse. As a scholarly work it brings together and makes sense of many artists' work within a common cultural theme.
Book Description
Between 1868 and 1912, Japan's leaders built a constitutional nation-state, developed an up-to-date industrial infrastructure and won major wars against China and Russia. They also preserved and nurtured their country's art traditions, inspiring the creation of works whose beauty and quality astonished the nations of the civilized world. From 1873 onwards, Japan's ceramics, metalwork, enamels, lacquer and other decorative arts were presented at domestic and international expositions, while in the United States remarkable objects like those in the collection of Dr. Nasser Khalili helped define the American image of Japan's national character at a formative time in the history of both countries. The three largest expositions held in America during Japan's Meiji Period were the Centennial Exhibitions at Philadelphia in 1876, the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893 and the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis in 1904. This comprehensive catalogue is taken from the collection of Dr Khalili and covers the 44 years of this period from 1868 to 1912. It is organized both chronologically and by subject and document some of the finest pieces from the Early, Middle and Late Meiji Period with six special sections on Metalwork, 'Satsuma' ware, Lacquer, Enamels, Textiles and Porcelain.The Khalili Collection
Book Description
The Orientalists pursues the mid to late 19th century, when American and European artists traveled and painted throughout the Holy Land and India. The highly cinematic images they created suggest a great influence on modern visual culture.
Customer Reviews:
Brilliant reference.......2007-06-12
Brilliant book completely covering the subject, solid research, perfect rare illustrations. Lots of forgotten and difficult to find names. Very useful and highly recommended - worth every penny!
A "coffee table book" you'll actually start reading!.......2007-04-26
"coffee table" art books are usually just vehicles to display reproductions of the paintings. Not here - Davie's writing would make compelling reading if it was published in regular book format. He mainly focuses on orientalist painting itself - and shatters the critics - but he also has a fascinating section on four famous 'orientalists' which include Richard Burton and Lady Digby.
The reproductions are are splendid very accurate ( i have the pleasure of having easy access to some of the original paintings) and capture the exquisite craft of "Orientalist" painters. often with close ups of parts of painting that allow the reader to see the elaborate detail.
Worth every penny. I find myself reading it again and again.
Not enough women !.......2007-04-20
Really I'd like to give this 5 stars but for the lack of women it's 4. I feel sort of silly doing so because the art is astonishing and the sheer beauty just magnifies how "art" has changed. I wonder if any artist alive today could come close to duplicating these masterpieces. I doubt it. And Mr Davies writing blends with the terrain and subject matter splendidly.
marvelous book.......2007-03-13
I came accross this book while in London, few weeks ago, and I immediately took note of the author, editor and name to order it from Amazon when back at home. I am not a connoisseur by any remote standard, but I love impressionism and naturalism painting, and I just loved the paintings in this book right on seeing them. (Same reason that took me to buy books by Alma-Tadema, the german painter of ancient Greek and Egyptian life scenes).
My enthusiasm just kept growing once I had the chance to start reading the author's description of the creation process of the book, and somehow started to share his vision of the historical and artistic wonder that come along with the view of the works included therein.
A marvelous book and equally wonderful art testimony for the future.
A gorgeous book marred only by lack of editing.......2007-01-08
I loved this book and agree with nearly all the superlatives other reviewers have applied to it. But I was startled by the sloppy editing -- or perhaps there was no editing. I was distracted by spelling mistakes (as in "their" for "there"); by faulty usage (as in "the reason is because"); by Darwin's work being called "Origin of The Species" (a common glitch, but still...); and by far too many other minor errors and awkwardnesses. Some sections, particularly those arguing a point, suffer from repetition and need tightening; at half the length they would be more convincing. I'm thinking particularly of the polemic against Edward Said in the Introduction, and also the chapter called "Women."
I like the author's quirky approach, his inclusion of personal anecdote, the four short biographies of four fascinating people although quite peripheral to his main focus, and the many wonderful notes included with the identifications of the breathtaking pictures. But I am giving only four stars, in protest to the editors at Laynfaroh (who are they, anyway?) who didn't do their job.
Book Description
Until now, Orientalist artâexemplified by paintings of harems, slave markets, or bazaarsâhas predominantly been understood to reflect Western interpretations and to perpetuate reductive, often demeaning stereotypes of the exotic East. Orientalism's Interlocutors contests the idea that Orientalist art simply expresses the politics of Western domination and argues instead that it was often produced through cross-cultural interactions. Focusing on paintings and other representations of North African and Ottoman cultures, by both local artists and westerners, the contributors contend that the stylistic similarities between indigenous and Western Orientalist art mask profound interpretive differences, which, on examination, can reveal a visual language of resistance to colonization. The essays also demonstrate how marginalized voices and viewpointsâespecially women'sâwithin Western Orientalism decentered and destabilized colonial authority.
Looking at the political significance of cross-cultural encounters refracted through the visual languages of Orientalism, the contributors engage with pressing recent debates about indigenous agency, postcolonial identity, and gendered subjectivities. The very range of artists, styles, and forms discussed in this collection broadens contemporary understandings of Orientalist art. Among the artists considered are the Algerian painters Azouaou Mammeri and Mohammed Racim; Turkish painter Osman Hamdi; British landscape painter Barbara Bodichon; and the French painter Henri Regnault. From the liminal "Third Space" created by mosques in postcolonial Britain to the ways nineteenth-century harem women negotiated their portraits by British artists, the essays in this collection force a rethinking of the Orientalist canon.
This innovative volume will appeal to those interested in art history, theories of gender, and postcolonial studies.
Contributors. Jill Beaulieu, Roger Benjamin, Zeynep Ãelik, Deborah Cherry, Hollis Clayson, Mark Crinson, Mary Roberts
Book Description
The Orientalism debate, inspired by the work of Edward Said, has been a major source of cross-disciplinary controversy in recent years. John MacKenzie offers a comprehensive re-evaluation of this vast literature of Orientalism and brings to the subject highly original historical perspectives. This study provides the first major discussion of Orientalism by a historian of imperialism. Setting the analysis within the context of conflicting scholarly interpretations, John MacKenzie then carries the discussion into wholly new areas, testing the notion that the western arts received genuine inspiration from the East by examining the visual arts, architecture, design, music and theatre.
Book Description
British rule of India brought together two very different traditions of scholarship about language, whose conjuncture led to several intellectual breakthroughs of lasting value. Two of these were especially important: the conceptualization of the Indo-European language family by Sir William Jones at Calcutta in 1786--proposing that Sanskrit is related to Persian and languages of Europe--and the conceptualization of the Dravidian language family of South India by F.W. Ellis at Madras in 1816--the "Dravidian proof," showing that the languages of South India are related to one another but are not derived from Sanskrit. These concepts are valid still today, centuries later. This book continues the examination Thomas R. Trautmann began in Aryans and British India (1997). While the previous book focused on Calcutta and Jones, the current volume examines these developments from the vantage of Madras, focusing on Ellis, Collector of Madras, and the Indian scholars with whom he worked at the College of Fort St. George, making use of the rich colonial record. Trautmann concludes by showing how elements of the Indian analysis of language have been folded into historical linguistics and continue in the present as unseen but nevertheless living elements of the modern.
Book Description
From the moment of the very first contact in the sixteenth century, Japan has always possessed an irresistible fascination for the West. The fascination was if anything increased when Japan closed its borders in 1638, and for over 200 years the only contact was through a small colony of Dutch traders who were permitted to live on the tiny island of Deshima in Nagasaki Bay. After 1858, full trade was resumed, and a wave of `Japanomania' swept across Europe and America.
Lionel Lambourne tells this remarkable story in a fluent and engaging narrative that focuses on the human drama - often amusing but sometimes tragic - of the individual personalities involved in the two-way dialogue between cultures. After an Introduction telling the story of the first contacts, the long isolation and the events leading to the renewal of free trade in Japan, he turns to Europe and captures the excitement as artists - notably Whistler and the Impressionists - discovered Japanese prints and artefacts, and began to incorporate their influence in their own work. The story spreads far beyond fine art and follows the Japanese craze into the decorative arts, interior design, furnishings, fashion accessories and, importantly, literature and theatre. With his inimitable style and his rich store of well-chosen anecdotes, the author brings the personalities to life, and conveys a vivid impression of the enthusiasm that Japonisme generated. He also devotes chapters to travel, Japonisme in America, landscape and gardens, and the curious subject of spooks and ghosts.
The visual impact of Japan on the West was enormous, and this is wonderfully conveyed in the rich and varied selection of illustrations - some 250 in all - which include many original Japanese prints and artefacts juxtaposed with the works that they directly inspired, as well as the whole range of the decorative arts, posters, advertisements, book illustrations, fashion, cartoons, photography, gardens and architecture.
With its lively text full of human interest and closely supported by a wealth of beautiful illustrations, Japonisme will provide the perfect introduction to this popular subject for the widest possible audience, and will also be a valuable reference source for teachers and students.
Customer Reviews:
A look behind the sreen of Japan.......2007-08-18
Wow! It took me six months to complete reading this book. Not because it is boring, but because there is so much information to just mentally digest! But what a fascinating journey. Our cultures are intrigued by each other and have affected each other for over 200 years. The book explores that intrigue, often fraught with misunderstandings, but infatuation is never far behind. Look at all the soldiers from WWII who came home with Japanese brides. Another interesting parallel is the nature of commerce between the East and the West. The Japanese and American businessmen have both much in common and widely different ways of commerce. The artistic fascination of both cultures for each other's is also covered and is enlightening to say the least. While post-war Japan sought the shiny cars, the Elvis hair and all that was coolly iconic American, we turned a wistful eye to the quickly disappearing 'old' Japan of pristine gardens, village basket makers, tea houses, the geisha life, the floating landscapes, calligraphy masters, a pond full of priceless koi simply valued for their serene beauty. Has it all been traded in for cars and high-rises? For cheap but fabulous electronics? For designer bags and pop music? Time will tell, but this wonderful book will give you true insight to the collective mind of both the East and West.
Book Description
To what extent did white European women contribute to the imperial cultures of the second half of the nineteenth century?
In contrast to most cultural histories of imperialism which analyze Orientalist images of women rather than images by women,
Gendering Orientalism focuses on how women themselves contributed. Drawing on the little-known work of Henriette Browne and other "lost" women Orientalist artists and the literary works of George Eliot, Lewis challenges masculinist assumptions relating to the stability and homogeneity of the Orientalist gaze. In order to draw out how the meanings attributed to their words and images, as well as t the writers and artists themselves, were specifically gendered, classed and racialized, the author examines women's visual and literary Orientalism through their contemporary reception in the press.
Book Description
This complete collection of Hokusai's famous views of Mount Fuji is the only high-quality reproduction of these engravings, long considered the Japanese master's greatest works. Taken from the best engravings available and shown in splendid color, this authoritative volume is the first of its kind since 1830. Hokusai's influence extended far beyond Japan, even to French Impressionists including Degas, Monet, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Each illustration is accopmanied by detailed notes placing the work in its cultural and historical context and exploring the symbolic themes running through Hokusai's landscapes.
Average customer rating:
|
Chinese Style: The Art of Living
Bradley Quinn
Manufacturer: Conran
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Style
| Interior Design
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Decorating
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Style
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| China
| Asia
| History
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1840912758 |
Book Description
From the Ming eraÂ's austere minimalism to the Quing dynastyÂ's baroque exuberance, this is the definitive guide to classical Chinese design. Authentic, informed, and visually breathtaking, it shows how to add that perfect touch of Eastern exoticism to the home. The key areas of architecture, furniture, decorative details, textiles, and ceramics all receive extensive attention.
Customer Reviews:
Why so mean with photos?.......2005-10-31
It's a beautiful book, but why so mean with the photos? I by this kind of book to be inspired and expect to see a great number of seductive photos of objects in the Chinese Style. The most annoying thing is to be presented with only two pictures on a spread and they show exactly the same things, one is a close-up and the other from afar. Sorry, possibly a three-and-a-half star (because the book is well structured and designed), but no more.
Book Description
"For men whose sensibilities lead them toward classic dress, but whose knowledge is less than complete because of youth or inexperience, there is
A Well-Dressed Gentleman's Pocket Guide. Warnings of classic faux pas alone are worth the cover price." —From the foreword
While fashion is subject to seasonal change, the wardrobe of the man who dresses in classic style is marked by a distinctive continuity.
A Well-Dressed Gentleman's Pocket Guide is both an etiquette and a history of impeccable dressing and classic styling. It illustrates the fine distinctions of the gentleman's dress code, arming the reader with the requisite information to dress for any occasion. It covers the entire wardrobe—from suits, coats, shirts, and shoes to umbrellas and underclothing—their history, manufacture, tailoring, materials, patterns, and colors. There are also summary style charts and warnings of classic faux pas. Any gentleman should consider himself incomplete without this elegant and authoritative pocket accessory.
Customer Reviews:
historical survey.......2007-07-06
One of the more thoroughly historically informed works in the genre, this book features much background for each clothing type and also guidance. Perfect for those who'd rather not live in ignorance regarding the original meaning of their clothes and clothing conventions.
***** Fashion At Its Best *****.......2003-09-18
This simple, "pocket size" book has proven to be extra-ordinary.
After I lost my entire wardrobe due to an apartment fire, I
bought this book and my new wardrobe is not only more elegant
but less expensive as well !
Do not be fooled by the "Pocket Guide" title: this book
covers everything from Suits, Shirts, Accessories, UnderClothes,
OverCoats, Formal Wear and much more. Must have for all
gentlemen.
History and now..........2001-09-20
This book is extremely useful as you search information about what to wear...and know few about it. History, materials, are well described but I feel somewhat disappointed as I found no photos, and few counselling about how to match the different items, and when...except for the excellent formal wear chapters.
But after all, this is a pocket book, well-done and quite instructing!
Books:
- Paco's Story: A Novel
- Photos of the Gods: The Printed Image and Political Struggle in India
- Pioneer Sisters (Little House Chapter Book)
- Realms of the Underdark (Forgotten Realms Anthology)
- Red Dust: A Novel
- Shadows on the Hudson
- Snow White and Russian Red
- Snowleg
- Snows of Yesteryear
- Solibo Magnificent
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- How To Make Money In Stocks: A Winning System in Good Times or Bad, 3rd Edition
- Dragon's Egg
- To the Last Man: A Novel of the First World War
- Voice of the Violin
- Aftermath: World Trade Center Archive
- Biology of Cancer
- Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch
- Conservation at the Art Institute of Chicago
- Up North Again: More of Ontario's Wilderness, from Ladybugs to the Pleiades
- Wehrmacht Diary
Orientalists: Western Artists in Arabia, the Sahara, Persia and
Noble Dreams, Wicked Pleasures: Orientalism in America, 1870-1930
Jean-Leon Gerome: Monographie revisee, catalogue raisonne mis a jour (Les orientalistes)
Jean-Leon Gerome
The Art of Lord Leighton
