This volume presents over 300 pieces from the ‘Enamels of the World 1700–2000’ collection, the most comprehensive private collection known dedicated to this unique art form. The survey starts with an account of the evolution and refinement of the different enamelling techniques. Thereafter, it studies the subject thematically, considering the impact of patronage and travel, as well as the role of nationalism in the development of historical revivalism. The enamelwork of China, Japan, the Islamic Lands and Europe is examined both in terms of local development and the assimilation of foreign influence. The history of three firms is reviewed in greater focus – Jean George Rémond, Fabergé and Cartier. Representing different periods within the 300 years covered by the Collection, the character of these firms, though largely shaped by the genius of their directors, was also formed by the era in which they flourished.
Whether looking at the subject in general or in detail, the reader is presented with an illuminating display of the great technical skill and creative ingenuity of the enamellers of the world.
The volume is accompanied by a CD that presents a larger selection of pieces than is included in the book, thus giving the reader an opportunity to explore the Collection in depth.
Haydn Williams – Former Head of Portrait Miniatures, Objects of Vertu and Russian works of art, Sotheby’s
Dr Jack Ogden – Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries; former Chief Executive, Gemmological Association of Great Britain; specialist in the historical development of jewellery materials and techniques
Professor J.M. Rogers – Fellow of the British Academy; Honorary Curator, Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art; Former Deputy Keeper of the Department of Oriental Antiquities, British Museum, London; inaugural Nasser D. Khalili Chair of Islamic Art and Archaeology, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; specialist in many aspects of Islamic culture and history, especially Seljuk and Ottoman arts
Rose Kerr – Former Keeper of the Far Eastern Department, Victoria and Albert Museum, London. She is the author of ten books of East Asian art, including Chinese Ceramics: Porcelain of the Qing Dynasty (1986, 1998), and has also co-authored four papers on the development of enamel technology in China.
The late Dr Olivier Impey – was Senior Curator at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford University, where he taught the history of Japanese Art. He was a Fellow of Green College, Oxford, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquities. He was the author of several books and numerous articles and lectured widely on the international circuit.
Malcolm Fairley – Formerly of Sotheby’s and Barry Davies Oriental Art; now co-owner of the Asian Art Gallery, London
Dr Pedro Moura Carvalho – Former Deputy Director, Art and Programs, The Asian Art Museum, San Francisco; specialist in Mughal art and European contributions to the arts of India, Iran, Japan and China post 1500
Julia Clarke – Deputy Director and senior specialist in Objects of Vertu at Sotheby’s. She has published articles on particular areas of her specialisation, including English enamels and snuff boxes. Her essay on Swiss gold boxes in this volume challenges the traditional understanding of the subject.
Tatiana Fabergé – Member of the Fabergé Heritage Council, and greatgranddaughter of Peter Carl Fabergé.
Daniela Mascetti – Senior Director, International Senior Specialist, Jewellery, Sotheby’s.
450 pages; fully illustrated in colour; 33 x 25 cm; hardback; 2009; ISBN: 978-1-874780-17-5
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