Product Description
Intrigued with the possibility of integrating texture in his work, American landscape photographer Robert Glenn Ketchum has a long-standing collaboration with the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute (SERI) in China. This splendidly designed volume describes the history of SERI with illustrations of its traditional embroidery and then proceeds to pair Ketchumís stunning photographic images with their exquisite embroidered counterparts. Essays locate the achievement of the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute within the context of traditional Chinese embroidery and trace the willingness to innovate that has long characterized this remarkable institution. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Breathtaking
I had the privelige of viewing the Threads of Light exhibit.It was so beautiful. Some of the pieces looked almost as if they were really made of light.The photos in the book capture the physical items as well as any book could and better than most.I was impressed with the piece from....I don't remember the year but it was centuries old sewn with hair.This beautiful book is good for the soul and I recommend it highly.

ok - but a bit overrated I think
I bought this book, sight unseen purely from the rave reviews listed.To be honest I was a bit disappointed with the book.Firstly, Robert Glenn Ketchum's photographs are very average.In fact any 15 year old with a good camera and decent eye could take photo's of this quality.The thing that redeems them is the skill of the needleworkers.Secondly, I just think the book is overated. There's several western needlework books that cover this type of embroidery and have better images in my opinion so I just don't understand the rave. An interesting read, but..........yeah.I wouldn't have paid this much if I'd been able to flick through it first.

Most embroidery doesn't impress me, but.....
I'm not all that interested in embroidery, but I enjoy visual excitement.One day while gallery hopping, we came upon a small portion of the work depicted in this book. We were both blown away by the work!Absolutely amazing.I would really like some posters of this work.

For those interested in the embroidery details, it is done with fine silk threads, hand dyed, on various fine fabrics, some of which are so fine you can see through them.Much of the interesting texture and effect is from what they call random stitch embroidery, in which the scenes are depicted by various colored stitches .5 cm (1/4 inch) long running in various random directions, yet they all come together to make the image.Other parts of the images are done by carefully controlled stitch direction to give crisp images.They pick up the light and are quite luminous, some are displayed as screens with light coming from behind.Only the enlargements in the book give a sense of the beauty and amazing technique of the actual pieces.

Oh, and the book is good too.Definitely a 5 star quality coverage of the work, with background information, as described in other reviews.But the work itself is beyond 5 stars.(In the gallery they were priced around the $10,000-$150,000 range, some took several years to complete.)

5 is not even close to enough
Words cannot even begin to describe the beauty of the works of art contained in this book. If you only ever buy one book in your life to just look at the pictures let it be this one. I could sit entranced by this embroidery for hours. I agree with another reviewer who stated that you can't conceive of this art being created by human hands. If you need proof simply look at the cover. That is not a photograph folks, it is embroidered.
The photographs are also quite beatiful. Consider as you look at them that the photo's are trying to capture texture...something very elusive in that medium. In many cases you can barely tell the photo from the embroidery and in others the embroidery is an interpretation of the photo.
I cannot state this enough... this book is truly, truly extraordinary and I don't think that there is anything else like it out there.

WOW!
This is, by far, the most beautiful embroidery book I've ever seen anywhere, at any time. It seems impossible that such impressive works of art could have been created. Robert Ketchum's photographs are beautiful, but the embroideries are, indeed, so breathtaking that it's hard to believe real human beings could have worked on them. This is the kind of embroidery I would love to be able to do, but it is so amazing that I know I'll never reach such a high level of expertise (at least not in this lifetime). My thanks to all the people involved in this project for sharing their special gifts with me and anyone else fortunate enough to have purchased this book or, better still, to have seen these works in person. ... Read more

Product Description
Museums hold the collected objects that have come to us from the past, and which now constitute one of the most important ways in which we can understand that past. Museums are social phenomena characteristic of the modernist Western tradition, and their collections of both human and natural history material are a significant part of how that tradition has shaped itself. This book explores the nature of museums, of their collections and of the objects which form these collections; the psychological and social reasons why people collect; and the nature of relics, fetishes and systematic assemblages. It considers the nature of the curatorial process and the narratives it produces: collections in store, acquisition and disposal, documentary description and exhibition. It discusses how museum objects operate as signs and symbols, as mediators of a functionalist perspective in a world of goods, and as actors in the process of change. It examines the relationship between museums, museum objects and ideology and concludes with an attempt to define the curatorial project. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Collected informations without form
In the book Susan Pearce presents many topics concerning collecting, museums and the cultural context that forced the outcome of museums. But the chapters lack in my opinion a coherent form that synthesizes the abundant themes in a central thesis. The book is a collection of thoughts and interpretations - sometimes more or less complex, sometimes very banal. What made me angry, were too many pictures and self-made diagrams with very little theoretical outcome in their explanation. My be this book had to be been written, to show everyone that this kind of cultural philosophy is not of much value. Therefore I recommend the impressive book of Didier Maleuvre: Museum Memories. It is much more concentrated and has a complexity that Susan Pearce never reaches. ... Read more

Product Description
The beautiful and enigmatic black-on-white decorated pottery of the Classic Mimbres culture of southern New Mexico is well known to archaeologists and artists alike. But prior to the florescence of the Classic Mimbres around A.D. 1000, the inhabitants of the Mimbres Valley played a generative role in the cultural and historical sequence of the region as a whole. These Early Pithouse period villagers have received comparatively little attention from archaeologists in recent decades. Now, in Early Pithouse Villages of the Mimbres Valley and Beyond, Michael W. Diehl, Steven A. LeBlanc, and colleagues publish for the first time a complete account of the excavations and artifacts of two important Early Pithouse village sites and a synthetic analysis of the environmental context and culture-historical framework of the Upland Mogollon region of the North American Southwest.

The McAnally and Thompson sites, two villages located along the Rio Mimbres in the heart of the Upland Mogollon, contain architecture, artifacts, and other remains of the earliest relatively sedentary horticulturists to occupy the region. The lifeways of these people--their subsistence practices, their knowledge of construction and of the manufacture of stone tools and pots, and their rules for social interaction--provided the foundation for nine centuries of continuous occupation and use of the Mimbres Mogollon area. Dating from A.D. 200 through 1000, the sites yielded information that suggests that, over time, Mogollon pithouse villagers invested ever-greater effort in constructing and maintaining their dwellings, intensified their reliance on maize agriculture, and increased the efficiency of their maize-grinding tools--all indicators of longer periods of occupation at these sites.

Based on their surveys and excavations, the authors of Early Pithouse Villages of the Mimbres Valley and Beyond develop a new chronology for the occupation of the region. They also discuss competing models of Upland Mogollon Pithouse period life-styles, architecture and residential mobility, paleobotanical data, ground stone and chipped stone artifacts, ceramics, osteofaunal remains, and miscellaneous artifacts uncovered at the two sites. Diehl and LeBlanc’s insightful summary chapter analyzes the relationship between the McAnally and Thompson sites in the context of the Mimbres Valley, emphasizing temporal changes in subsistence, demography, and social organization. An appendix provides a comprehensive summary of tree-ring dates from Upland Mogollon pithouse villages. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the publication celebrating the exhibition at the Bowers of Museum of Tibet: Treasures From the Roof of the World. This remarkable exhibition was comprised of masterworks, many of which are central to the history and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. The influence of Buddhism on all aspects of Tibetan life can be seen in the many devotional and secular objects included, exploring the unique historical, religious and cultural achievements of this region. Gorgeous color photographs with descriptions and historical context of the objects, what they were used for, who used them and why, and how they have come down through the centuries. A treasure of information about Tibetan art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Beautiful book
This is the most beautiful book I have ever purchased. The dust jacket has a real photo meshed onto the cover... it even comes in casewrapped box. As would be expected, the photos inside are great. I wish I would not have missed the exhibition. I bought it new directly from the museum for $25...I imagine because the book was published several years ago...be certain if you buy it used that you are getting it in the box (you will see what I mean) It's worth a few extra dollars for that. ... Read more

Product Description
This abundantly illustrated anthology brings together 16 essays by scholars, artists, and ritual experts who examine the sacred arts of Haitian Vodou from multiple perspectives. Among the many topics covered are the 10 major Vodou divinities, the paintings of Hector Hyppolite, the multimedia pieces of Pierrot Barra, sequined bottles and sequined flags, and the work of the Brooklyn Priestess Mama Lola. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Vodou Revealed
After viewing numerous films that stigmatize voudou, it was refreshing and enlightening to read a scholarly account of the religion. The photographs portray the complexity and diversity of Haitian art, and that in itself it worth the cost of the book. The text also examines the evolution of voudou from Africa to Haiti. Lastly, the work is an unbiased analysis of the religion, the nation, and the people; that type of observation is rare.

The Definitive Text on Haitian Vodou Art
As the title says, if you are interested in Vodou-influenced Haitian art (in other words, most Haitian art), this is the definitive book on the subject.If you are not interested in the subject, the breathtaking illustrations are likely to make you a convert.

Consentino has compiled some excellent information to go along with the pictures, including interviews with Vodouisants and artists.He avoids the all-too-common sensationalist treatments of Haitian Vodou, and is never condescending or patronizing.He (correctly) treats Vodou like a world religion, and gives it due respect; his scholarship is impeccable both in art and comparative religion.Well worth the cost: this is a coffee table book you will cherish.

Sacred Arts of Haitian Vodou
This book is the catalogue of the recent New Orleans Vodou exhibit.I had studied comparative religions when I was in college, so the origins and practice of vodou are of natural interest to me, but I knew absolutelynothing about vodou until seeing this exhibit.Having lived in NewOrleans, I had always thought that voodoo involved sticking pins into dollsto bring bad luck or disease to an enemy and other darkly occult rituals. Obviously, I didn't understand vodou at all, not even to know the correctspelling.The Hollywood film industry is responsible for a large part ofour misconceptions about vodou.

I quote André Pierre, a contributor tothe catalog: "The Vodou religion is before all other religions.It is moreancient than Christ.It is the first religion of the Earth.It is thecreation of the World.The World is created by Vodou. The world is createdby magic.The first magician is God who created people with his own handsfrom the dust of the Earth.People originated by magic in all countries ofthe world.No one lives of the flesh.Everyone lives of thespirit."

Spirits (lwa) of vodou define parts of the universal humanexperience.The spirits all have names and personalities, very much likeRoman Catholic saints.Like Mexican altars to deceased ancestors for ElDia de los Muertos, these vodou spirits are offered their favorite thingsthat represent these personalities.These items are placed on altars orsewn in sequins and beads on 36" x 36" flags in their honor.The spirits,like saints, are invoked to grant favors or assist in getting through adifficult time, or they are praised for their virtues and help.

My twofavorite Vodou spirits are Ezili Freda and Ezili Danto. These cousins arediametrically opposed forces of femininity.Ezili Freda represents loveand luxury, a city girl who has elegant fashion sense, likes sweet drinksand Virginia Slims cigarettes. She looks pretty, dressed in white lace withpink trim.Her day is Thursday.Mater Dolorosa represents Ezili Freda.

Her country cousin Ezili Danto is linked to protective motherhood.Shedresses in bright red and blue calicos and drinks strong rum.Black pigssymbolize Ezili Danto and her favorite food is fried pork.She smokesunfiltered Camel cigarettes and her days are Tuesdays and Saturdays.OurLady of Mount Carmel and Mater Salvatoris represent Ezili Danto.

Thiscatalog allows a closer study of the brilliant sequin art associated withvodou.Spirit bottles, mirrors, jackets, vests, leggings and flags arecovered with the flash of sequins that are anchored with seed beads.Thesymbols of the vodou spirits and their aspects are reflected by the designsmade with the sequins and beads.

The Sacred Arts catalog is an obviouslywell researched and comprehensive look at Vodou.I highly recommend it fora broad range of people, from cultural anthropologists to decorativeartists.

Best I've read on the subject
I've been obsessed with this book ever since I was introduced to it. I find it well-researched and unbiased. It provides an accurate glance into this unfairly shunned religion.

Magnificent, outstanding, a triumph!
Everything about this book is of the speaks of quality.The numerous color prints are excellent,and the paper and binding have a luxurious feel.

This is a combination art book, art history book, book about religion, and travel book.The different perspectives that are brought together in this one volume makes it absolutely essential reading for anyone interested in Haiti.I have read it cover to cover twice, and plan to read it a third time.

Only one chapter suffers from a dry, academic approach, that is the one on African Voudou, and may be safely skipped without missing much.That chapter, which contains no color prints, is much below the standards of the rest of the book.

I am surprised that I am the first person to write a review of this book, because it is really an incredibly well done volume.

The authors include anthropologists, folklorists, art historians, voudou practioneers, and artists.Yet the organization of the book makes each chapter fl! ! ow into the other.Well worth the $100.00 purchase price.

Don't be put off by the word "voudou".This is not a goofy "new age" kind of book that teaches you to do spells.It is high quality, facinatinganalysis of the art, culture and lif of Haiti. ... Read more

Product Description
This work presents the development of science and technology through the study of 100 key inventions (selected from the Science Museum Collections), each one a milestone of industrial history. All the objects are illustrated in full colour, backed up in many instances by historical pictures in black and white. Together with the illustrations is an informative and easily understandable text placing each object in its historical context and explaining its function and workings. These texts are by experts in their fields and there is also an introduction by Neil Cossons, Director of the Science Museum. Between them they give a detailed overview of the way we arrived at our modern world.;The aim of this book is to present the developments in science technology and medicine to as wide a readership as possible, including the younger reader on whom the future of technology depends.;Among the 100 objects included in the book are: Huygen's aerial telescope; Hauksbee's air pump; Arkwright's spinning machine; Boulton and Watt's rotative engine; Ramsden's three-foot theodolite; Trevithick's high-pressure engine; Stephenson's Rocket; Parson's steam turbine; Babbage's difference engine; Bell's Osborne telephone; the Kodak camera; Marconi's transmitter; the Benz car; Baird's TV apparatus; the safety bicycle; the Merlin aircraft engine; the first hovercraft; the original radar receiver; the supersonic airliner, Concorde; and the first brain scanner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Outstanding!
As a History of Technology student, I find this book everything I could hope for in a compellation. It examines a great deal of information, but each innovation gets its own pages. This allows the reader to pick it up read about the importance of an innovation and its impact on society and then put it down. This book skips the somewhat tedious (I am not saying unimportant!) development facts of the innovation and personal story of the inventor.
The book also has a great deal of color pictures. You may scoff (as some of my professors have) but pictures of mechanical devices can give a very clear picture of how it works.
I think the book is a great addition to any person's collection that is interested in technology. ... Read more

Product Description
Features China trade paintings and export art works dating from the late 18th and 19th centuries. It focuses on the importance of maritime trade in encouraging cultural contact between East and West, and in the development of Chinese export art. The works include early paintings and drawings that were intended to document China and portraits of the people and vessels that were involved in the China trade. The majority of the paintings are port scenes of Canton and other later treaty ports; others depict the Chinese and their way of life. A number of export items including ceramics and carvings are also included. The catalogue contains essays by William Shang, Patrick Conner, and William Sargent on the historical importance of Chinese export art, the artist George Chinnery, and China trade paintings for the American market. ... Read more

Product Description
The Blanton Museum of Art's Latin American catalogue will be the first publication in the museum's history to present a complete and in-depth study of the institution's notable Latin American collection. The Blanton's holdings comprise one of the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive collections of modern and contemporary Latin American art in the country, and include works by many artists not represented elsewhere in U.S. collections. The collection contains more than 1,800 modern and contemporary paintings, prints, drawings, and sculptures, reflecting the great diversity of Latin American art and culture. More than six hundred artists from Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean are represented in the collection. This beautifully illustrated catalogue features 102 artists from the Blanton's Latin American collection, such as Joaquín Torres-García, Julio Alpuy, Gonzalo Fonseca, Luis Felipe Noé, Rómulo Macció, Jorge de la Vega, Antonio Seguí, Luis Camnitzer, and Cildo Meireles. New and emerging artists such as Jorge Macchi and Cristián Silva are also represented. The catalogue includes essays and object entries by a host of distinguished contributing writers that provide an opportunity for new interpretation and insight into this significant collection, and the field of Latin American art in general. ... Read more

Product Description

"Accompanying a year-long exhibition at the University of Kentucky Art Museum, A Place Not For gotten explores the distinctiveness of Southern landscape painting from the early nineteenth century through the 1940s. More than twenty-five color reproductions are accompanied by essays on southern art and culture by William W. Freehling, Singletary Professor of Humanities at the University of Kentucky; Jessie Poesch, professor emerita of art history at Tulane University; and J. Richard Gruber, director of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans. Brief commentaries from Wendell Berry, Guy Davenport, John Egerton, James Baker Hall, Sally Mann, Bobbie Ann Mason, Ed McClanahan, Robert Morgan, Gurney Norman, Chris Offutt, Estill Curtis Pennington, and Sarah Tate on the nature of the southern landscape and its impact on literature and experience expand the project beyond that of a mere exhibition catalog."

Product Description
Museums were originally established as centres of high culture, intended to showcase the achievements of modern civilization. In the late 1990's this ideological role has been questioned. This book argues that museums provide the best means with which to understand and interpret popular culture. ... Read more

Product Description
An overview of the formation of the collections of the three Harvard University Art Museums. The book gives a chronology of the significant events in the history of all three institutions with each of the museums' departments represented by an introductory essay written by the curator. ... Read more