Vietnam visual arts in history, religion & culture

Thể Giới Publishers

2023

495 p.

9786043450279

This book is an informative broad survey of the visual culture of the dynastic era which extends across almost a thousand years. It covers belief systems and iconography, architecture, statuary (stone and wood carving), metal craft (bronze, gold, silver), jade, and ivory carving, lacquer craft, furniture, inlay work, woodblock printing, painting, and ceramics. The text is supported by over three hundred quality colour images. The focus of the book is the Kinh, the majority ethnic group, historically the inhabitants of the northern river plains; from the fifteenth century it follows southward movements into territory occupied by cultural others and ensuring cultural shifts from the homogenous population of the north to a heterogenous southern land with a visual art shaped by complex cultural synthesis. The reader will encounter the handiwork of generations of highly skilled artisans and artists, most anonymous, and learn how each responded to the circumstances of the dynasty in which they lived. In addition, in stand-alone boxes, there are explanations of different techniques artisans employed. It is a lively and provocative read.

Английский