Leon Rosenstein offers a sweeping and lively account of the origin and development of the antique as both a cultural concept and an aesthetic category.

Only articles of aesthetic appeal are considered in this volume, which is addressed to discriminating collectors, who sometimes like to read about what they already know, and to beginner-collectors, who have just started on their quest for artistic treasures. Consequently, this book treats of such types of china, silver, glass, furniture, metal-work, and textiles as belong to the Decorative Arts, while such types as belong to the Industries of a nation are not represented. This will explain the omission of Sandwich Glass and Hooked Rugs, which, although enjoying present popularity with some collectors of Americiana, cannnot possibly be classed with beautiful objects de luxe able to pass all the canons of elegant and fastidious taste.-pg. vii.

Collecting Japanese Antiques is an excellent overview of the uniquely Japanese aesthetic and how it relates to Japanese culture. From the time Japan started trading with the West in the sixteenth century, Japanese arts and crafts have intrigued and delighted Westerners, especially lacquer, screens, swords and porcelain. Antique hunters will benefit from the practical and cautionary advice in this book; newcomers will appreciate information on the basics of collecting Japanese antiques; while other sections might reawaken interest in experienced collectors. Striking photographs throughout make this art and antiques book a must for collectors and lovers of Japanese art. Chapters include: Japan's Art Heritage Collecting for Fun and with Wisdom Screens and Scrolls Ukiyo-e and Other Prints Sagemono Ceramics Furniture Textiles Lacquerware Cloisonne Sculpture and Metalwork Swords and Armor Tea Ceremony Utensils Dolls Flower Baskets

Culled from the pages of "Elle Decor," 300 beautiful color photos take readers on a fabulous journey through the homes of some of the world's finest collectors, and amply show that seemingly inanimate objects bring life and warmth to one's surroundings.

The international market for antique Chinese furniture is booming, and masterpieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties are now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Chinese Furniture is a survey of these collectibles--from the very best hardwood pieces featured to standard softwood specimens still available on the Asian market. This antique furniture book presents an overview of carving styles, wood types, regional variations, class distinctions and restoration techniques. It includes detailed chapters on various types of wooden furniture cover chairs, stools and benches, tables and desks, beds, cabinets and bookshelves, doors and screens and household accessories. With this renewed interest in antique furniture, a forgery market has emerged. Thousands of factories in southern China are churning out brand new or refurbished furniture and passing them off as Chinese antiques. Chinese Furniture unearths these forgeries and serves as an indispensable reference guide for collectors of antique wood furniture.

For years, collecting antiques has been Barbara Ohrbach's favorite pastime. Cherchez, the elegant home furnishings shop she owned in New York City, reflected her exquisite taste and impeccable eye. In this very personal book, she gives practical advice about collecting and living with antique objects. As she says, all of these treasures from the past are what "give a room its personality and style and a house its soul. "Antiques at Home is filled with more than 300 photographs of beautiful old objects and rooms, and provides a wonderful look at the world of collecting -- from flea markets to elegant stores. Ms. Ohrbach discusses many types of antiques, including ceramics, silver, and textiles. In each chapter, she interviews some of the most respected people in the antiques business and includes tips for what to look for when buying antiques and ideas on how to decorate with them. Each chapter ends with a special section on how to care for and preserve these objects. Ms. Ohrbach shares her enthusiasm in searching for antiques and tells us where to find them in an international source guide that reveals her favorite antiques shops, fairs, markets, unusual museums, and historic homes. Decorative arts societies, reference books, decorating periodicals, and restorers are also listed. Beautiful objects that were used and loved in everyday life in the past have become very special to us today. For everyone who has already discovered the warmth that old things bring to our homes, as well as for newcomers to collecting, this book will be a treasured guide.

In collaboration with photographer Joshua Greene (Lee Bailey's Country Weekends), journalist Shelia Chefetz presents a unique book that turns the dining experience into a feast for the senses. 250 full-color illustrations.