Containing photographs of everyday, antique objects along with insightful commentary, Things Korean is a useful guide to traditional life in Korea.O-Young Lee, former Korean Minister of Culture gives us a survey of native objects from Korea, from totems(Changsung) to hair-pins(binyo), crock pots(Changdokdae) to temple bells(Jong), scissors(Kawi) to graves(mudon) explaining their significance and place in everyday Korean life.Each item in the book i...

"A great journalist" raises troubling questions about the forgotten war in this courageous, controversial book—with a new introduction by Bruce Cumings ( The Baltimore Sun)."Much about the Korean War is still hidden, and much will long remain hidden. I believe I have succeeded in throwing new light on its origins." —From the author's prefaceIn 1945 US troops arrived in Korea for what would become America's longest-lasting conflict. While history book...

To any one who would like to look somewhat into the inner soul of the Oriental, and see the peculiar spiritual existences among which he lives, the following stories will serve as true interpreters, born as they are of the three great religions of the Far East, Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. An old manuscript copy of Im Bang's stories came into the hands of the translator, and he gives them now to the Western world that they may serve as introductory essays to the mysteries, ...

This rich and detailed book celebrates Chinas entries on the treasured UNESCO World Heritage List using colour photography and key content from Chinese experts. The Chinese Treasure World Heritage in China is a full-length academic pictorial album offering unrivalled coverage of the UNESCO World Heritage List entries in China with detailed specialist content from Chinese architectural experts and stunning Chinese photography. It examines every heritage site in China that have been awarded Wor...

Japanese and Oriental Ceramics was first published in print form by Tuttle Publishing in 1971.This comprehensive and profusely illustrated work tells how to distinguish Japanese porcelains from Chinese, and how to recognize modern reproductions of genuine old wares. It is completely indexed, contains a lengthy bibliography, and lists Chinese dates important in any discussion of Oriental ceramics.Crammed with information on the history, esthetics, and technical aspe...

Chinese Snuff Bottles is invaluable document for all interested in the history of Chinese art.It is also a lucid and fascinating guidebook for the collector or would be collector, both of snuff bottles and other products of Chinese craftsmanship. All the skills and ingenuity of the Chinese artisans were lavished upon the production of these tiny bottles, making them pre-eminent representatives of the best in Chinese craftsmanship.This classic art h...

Japanese netsuke-miniature carvings-are profiled in this wonderful Japanese arts book.These tiny masterpieces of sculpture (mostly in ivory and wood), of lacquer, and of metalwork captivated collectors with the charm of their conception, the intricacy of their detail, and the sheer tactile pleasure of handling them. Basically they were utilitarian in purpose, serving as toggles or pendants to support medicine boxes, tobacco pouches, and similar articles suspended b...

A deep and encompassing dive into the vast array of symbols and attributes that appear within the complex iconography of Tibetan BuddhismThe Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols is a portal into the rich, multifaceted, and profound symbolism of Tibetan sacred art. The succinct descriptions that accompany Robert Beer’s detailed line drawings reveal the origins, meanings, and functions of these symbols. Beer unravels the multiple layers of symbolism and mean...

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 explains and illustrates as many varieties of Ming ceramics as possible. The text is based primarily on information obtained from Chinese sources and the occasional notes made by Europeans who visited China in Ming times. To these, Mr. Hobson has added his own penetrating deductions, made after careful study of well-authenticated specimens and of observation by earlier scholars. His presentation is not only clear and precise but also incontestably authoritative and at the same ti...

Appreciate the understated glamour and traditional comfort in this collection of the most excellent examples of timeless Korean architecture.Hanok: The Korean House provides new insights on the stylish traditional Korean homes that are experiencing a resurgence of popularity in Seoul today. While the exteriors of these houses are indistinguishable from traditional hanok built decades ago, the insides have entirely changed and adapted with the time...

China's art objects and traditionally manufactured products have long been sought by collectors—from porcelains and silk fabrics to furniture and even the lacquered chopsticks that are a distant relation to ones found in most Chinese restaurants. Things Chinese presents sixty distinctive items that are typical of Chinese culture and together open a special window onto the people, history, and society of the world's largest nation. Many of the objects are collectibles, and each has...