This is a survey of the rich and varied development of the visual arts in Asia from the very earliest times. The book is divided into three parts. Part I covers the ancient world from the first appearance of the Sumerian city-states with their temples and statues, cylinder seals and metalwork, to the period of Persian domination and the glories of Persepolis. Part II is devoted chiefly to the great civilizations of India and China, with chapters on the cultures of Japan, Korea and South-East Asia. Part III begins with the blend of cultures that gave Islamic art its distinctive forms and culminates in the splendours of Safavid Iran and Mughal India.
Asian Art is written by a distinguished international team of authors who bring to their subject a scholarly enthusiasm, a specialized knowledge and a gift for communicating information in a clear and stimulating way. It provides the ideal introduction for those approaching Asian art without any particular background knowledge, but also contains much to attract the interest of experts. Although there is a wealth of magnificent painting and sculpture, since these aspects of the visual arts have been traditionally less dominant in Asia than in Europe, architecture, pottery, textiles, glass and furniture are also prominently featured. The book contains over 500 illustrations, including more than 200 in full colour.