This sumptuous edition offers all 100 full-color plates from Owen Joness definitive presentation of Chinese ornamentation and design; one of the most beautiful books on the decorative arts ever published. Now; over a centruy after its first publication; this remarkable work continues to provide an excellent; copyright-free source of authentic Chinese design and motifs. During the vast political tumult in China in the 19th century; many of the most exquisite examples of native art from the Ming; Ching and earlier dynasties were spirited out of the country and sold into Western collections. One of the most spectacular of these assemblages was housed at Londons South Kensington Museum (today The Victoria and Albert Museum). In the 1860s; the noted English designer and architect Owen Jones studed this collection in depth; particularly the wealth of superb examples of porcelain and cloisonneacute;. He then meticulously rendered many of the most intriguing and beautiful designs in full color. These were published in his celebrated book; Examples of Chinese Ornament Selected from Objects in the South Kensington Museum and Other Collections (1867).This volume offers painstaking reproductions of all one hundred original color plates from that work; which delighted the art world of the time and exerted a profound influence on the subsequent history of Western design. Now that visual inspiration is once again available to artists; illustrators; designers; and craftspeople in this inexpensive high-quality edition. Moreover; any lover of fine art can enjoy the book as a splendid tribute to the glories of Chinese designmdash;at a price far less than those commanded by extremely rare surviving copies of Joness original work.
#1151411 in eBooks 2012-08-02 2012-08-02File Name: B00A73A9P6
Review
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Power and ample information and graphicsBy James LeeseI found this book to be one of the best out on the topic; of which there are too few at present for such an important topic. The depth and breadth of place-making topics and their coverage makes this a very excellent easy-to-read-and-understand as well as a long-term reference tool. The graphics are very well done. Having recently attended a Harvard program on retail for cities and new towns and urban center given by Bob Gibbs and Terry Shook; I especially found the book right on target. I want to see more of these types of books.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well written and well presented Place Making studiesBy Michael GealeAn excellent source of well researched information. Bohl has used excellent case studies used to illustrate the issues.Certainly a valuable read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Basic; yet current observationsBy D. DagostinoIn my opinion; this is a fine book which details basic current planning principles. There are many photos and many references to built projects. Case studies are a strong point of this fine book.