A catalogue for a collection of Far Eastern ivories - ranging from religious iconography to sculptures produced for nineteenth-century collectors. Sir Victor Sassoon (1881-1961) lived an extraordinary and colourful life and left a remarkable legacy. He created a trust to preserve his collection of ivories for the benefit of UK citizens. Since its foundation and under the guardianship of the dedicated trustees, the collection has grown by the addition of significant specimens that originally went unrepresented. Chinese Ivory Carvings presents 350 of its most significant artefacts, each illustrated and discussed. Four introductory essays explore the acquisition of the pieces, placing the ivories in their historical and cultural context. In this scholarly celebration of Sassoon's bequest, one can appreciate some of the many facets of Chinese culture both religious and secular. Including minutely carved 'devil's work' spheres, massive figures and exuberantly carved vases, the book is also testament to the technical skills of the craftsmen who produced these wonderful objects.

Drawing on the Victoria and Albert Museum's fine collection, Japanese Netsuke examines these appealing, accessible, and often humorous works of art in the broadest possible context. In a text that is both comprehensive and entertaining, Julia Hutt traces the history of netsuke, showing how these highly collectible objects originated from belt hangings used by nomads along the Silk Road. The stunning color photographs reveal the full range of subjects portrayed--images of animals, birds, and sea creatures, portraits of dancers and demons, droll cameos of characters from everyday urban life, even a rare poetic evocation of landscape--and the high level of skill involved in their creation. The richness and diversity of the materials used, as well as the different sources of inspiration, are also discussed, providing an indispensable guide for collectors and all those interested in Japanese decorative arts.