Featuring over 350 beautiful photographs; Chinese Houses of Southeast Asia captures the architectural heritage of a vibrant community. The multiple Chinese migrations from southeastern China to Southeast Asia have had important implications for both regions. In Southeast Asia this influence can be seen in the architecturally eclectic homes these migrants and their descendants built as they became successful; homes that combined Chinese; European and local influences; especially during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Chinese Houses of Southeast Asia strives not only to be an informative but also an authoritative book on the subject of hybrid architecture—filled with stunning color photographs and essays on nearly thirty well-preserved homes. An introductory essay portrays the historical circumstances that gave rise to Chinese houses overseas; and includes historic images; color photographs; paintings and line drawings. At the core of the book is a comprehensive set of stunning color photographs of nearly thirty well-preserved homes built by Chinese immigrants and their descendants in various countries of Southeast Asia. Images and drawings from southeastern China help clarify similarities and differences. For each home; extensive captions accompany the photographs and the essay supplies background information concerning the individual and family who built and resided in each house. The historical context; nature of the building; and the restoration history of the home is included. Extensive information about the symbolism implicit in the decorative elements that make up each of the homes is presented. This includes an examination of ornamental elements that are Chinese in origin as well as those decorative components that are Western. Chinese Houses of Southeast Asia has been written in a nontechnical style; accessible to lay readers who are interested in the extraordinary architectural heritage of China; much of which is only now beginning to be appreciated.
#2466312 in eBooks 2011-09-20 2011-09-20File Name: B00BSEQMKE
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Richly Done Book by a Much Gifted ArtistBy Hugh M. DuncanThere are few who are able to share their love for the frontier west like Gerry Spence. Born in Laramie; Wyoming; raised in Sheridan; ranching near Dubois; he has a rich appreciation for the culture of the west and its vanished frontier. He has the narrative and artistic gifts to take you from the Wyoming prairie and its dry plains redolent of sagebrush into its high; lonesome peaks and grassy valleys. He knows its people and their values. This is a richly done book by a much-gifted artist; and is worthy of the trip....1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Spence behind a cameraBy RadnorPurchased as a hostess gift--not yet delivered-- to international friends impressed with the authors legal work.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Gerry is a thinker.By Gail R StrongLoved reading this. Gerry helps you to remember what is important. And he does so in a very modern way