The Arts of Thailand examines the stunning visual history of Art in Thailand.Blending a multiplicity of cultural influences with their own artistic genius, the Thai people have created some of the world's finest art. In this definitive introduction to Thai art, author Steve Van Beek takes a wide-ranging look at how these diverse forces were fused into a wealth of art forms which are uniquely Thai. As a means to a fuller understanding of Thai culture, he ex...

In Tibetan Calligraphy, Sanje Elliott shows us how to capture the elegance and grace of Tibetan calligraphy without prior knowledge of either Tibetan language or calligraphy. This beautiful book includes many prayers, mantras, and seed syllables to copy and study. Perfect for practitioners, artists, and anyone interested in the Tibetan language.

Faces of Compassion introduces us to enlightened beings, the bodhisattvas of Buddhist lore. They're not otherworldly gods with superhuman qualities but shining examples of our own highest potential. Archetypes of wisdom and compassion, the bodhisattvas of Buddhism are powerful and compelling images of awakening. Scholar and Zen teacher Taigen Dan Leighton engagingly explores the imagery and lore of the seven most important of these archetypal figures, bringing them alive as psycho...

A concise, information-packed background of the history and culture of Vietnam, including the country's relations with the United States.Comprehensive and authoritative, this book accurately describes this fascinating country. The author begins with a description of the geographical features of the country and the various tribes and people that inhabit it, then reviews the various religions, the educational system, and customs that have played and continue to play ...

Balinese Art is the first comprehensive survey of Balinese painting from its origins in the traditional Balinese village to its present position at the forefront of the high-priced Asian art scene.Balinese art has been popular and widely collected around the world for many decades. In fact, the contemporary painter who commands the highest prices in Southeast Asia's hot art market is Bali-born Nyoman Masriadi (1973-). This book demonstrates that his work d...

With over 500 full-color photographs and expert insights provided by leading archaeological authorities, Burmese Design & Architecture is a must-have for serious connoisseurs of architecture, design or Burma itself.It is the first book to showcase the amazing diversity of architecture, design and art found in Burma (Myanmar). Ranging from the monumental pagodas of Pagan (Bagan) to the architectural heritage of Rangoon (Yangon), religious as well as contemp...

The Iconography of Tibetan Lamaism is an authoritative text on the specifically Tibetan branch of Buddhism—one which possesses a rich visual history of Buddhist art and Iconagraphy.This book gives a descriptive outline of the principal gods in the Tibetan pantheon, tracing the main features and symbols that are used to denote each one. A Comprehensive illustrated list of the various ritual objects, talismans, symbols, mudras (symbolic hand poses),...

Batik: Fabled Cloth of Java is richly illustrated with color plates of the finest antique and contemporary batik from thirty museums and private collections around the world.From the royal courts of Yogyakarta and Cirebon to the coastal towns of Pekalongan, Surabaya and Lasem, Inger McCabe Elliot takes the reader on a spellbinding tour of Java's north coast examining the customs, cultures and craftsmanship that distinguishes its magic cloth.Bat...

This book aims at combating the Hostility Theory which claims that the Christians in the pagan Roman Empire had no images and rejected them as idolatrous. Did the early Christians, during the first three centuries, 33–313, have images in their churches or places of worship and homes? If they did not, was that because they thought that all images were idols or close to being idols? Did they think that making and having images of Old Testament people and events as well as of Jesus, the apost...

Monumental Bali describes a formative period in Balinese history through a study of the island's fascinating antiquities.This classic work provides the key to understanding Bali's most famous monuments, including the "Elephant Cave" near Ubud, the "Royal Tombs" at Gunung Kawi, and the spectacular "Mother Temple" at Besakih. A comprehensive Guide to the Monuments section contains:Detailed MapsSite DiagramsOver one Hundred B...

Balinese-style villas and resorts are popping up everywhere, from Ibiza to St. Barts to Singapore.In this comprehensive guide, author Julian Davison explores the intricacies of the architecture and the reasons for its global popularity. You'll learn why innovative international architects have been designing Bali-inspired resorts and villas for decades, drawing their inspiration from a rich vernacular tradition.The thirty chapters in this book cover...

With dozens of beautiful photographs and extensive text, this Malaysian art book is a testament to the skill and spirituality of Malaysia's traditional woodcarvers.Wood has always played a significant role in the Malay world, including the Malay Peninsula, as a means of shelter, livelihood, comfort and convenience. Among the living arts of Malaysia, woodcarving is one of the oldest, and for centuries woodcarvers enjoyed a prestige that few others did. A master wood...