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 Jewellery
of Tibet and the Himalayas
by John Clarke
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Tibet and the Himalayas are
associated with many things: Everest, the Dalai Lama, problems
with China, to name just a few, but I expect not many people
would associate the region with jewellery.
It's a pity that more people
don't know about the beautiful jewellery produced there.
Put it on models on a Parisian catwalk and it could be mistaken
for stunning designer pieces. It is, however, much more
important to the people who make it and wear it than just
fashion accessories.
In this new book, Jewellery
of Tibet and the Himalayas, the author John Clarke
discusses the background to the jewellery of the region.
There is an enormous body of folklore, custom and religious
signifigance attached to it. Clarke says:
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"Beyond the appeal
of their lustrous surfaces and glowing colours, pieces
of Himalayan jewellery have the power to reveal intimate
facets of the lives of those who owned and wore them.
Like a tiny mirror reflecting a society often distant
in time and space, a single piece can reveal its wearer's
sex, their regional origins, position in society and way
of life as well as allowing us glimpses of religious preoccupations
and beliefs."
He goes on to discuss all
these aspects and their significance behind the jewellery
of the area.
The book is beautifully illustrated
with full colour pictures throughout. As well as close-ups
of individual pieces, there are pictures of people wearing
their own jewellery which shows just how big and impressive
much of it is.
John Clarke is a Curator
in the Victoria & Albert Museum's Asian Department,
specialising in the art of the Himalayas so is ideally qualified
to write the book. His appreciation of the jewellery and
love of the area shines through too.
This lovely book is not only
for specialist collectors, but also for anybody who loves
beautiful jewellery. I defy anybody who does to look at
the pictures without immediately wanting to own jewellery
like this!
Quick
Facts
Title: Jewellery
of Tibet and the Himalayas
Authors:
John Clarke
Publisher: V&A
Publications
ISBN:
1851774238
Binding: Hardback
Publication Date: July
2004
Price: £24.95
All information relates to
the UK edition.
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by Carol Fisher All Rights Reserved |
