HIST 114: Origins of the Global South (HC)

From the ancient Iranian civilisations in 500BC through the Islamic period and on to modern day Iran. Iran presents archeological landscapes, monuments, sculpture, carpets, dazzling ornaments and art objects from this stunning artistic milieu.

Together with the imperial city of Kyoto and the port cities of Osaka and Nagasaki, the splendid capital city of Edo (now Tokyo) nurtured a magnificent tradition of painting, calligraphy, printmaking, ceramics, architecture, textile work, and lacquer. As each city created its own distinctive social, political, and economic environment, its art acquired a unique flavor and aesthetic.

This lavish catalogue documents the most opulent period of later Persian history through over one hundred twenty five superlative works of art from public and private collections in Europe, North America and Asia, including Iran. The volume, which examines pieces chosen for their exceptional quality and historical importance, includes works in all media-carpets, paintings, metalwork, ceramics, lacquer and hardstones. "Hunt for Paradise is the first exhibition catalogue to bring together these treasures from many countries in order to present a unique and comprehensive picture of the art of the Safavid court. This serious and original contribution to the study of Persian art and culture is of the highest quality and includes critical text by leading specialists in the field.

"India: Art and Culture 1300-1900 is a tribute to the rich and varied culture of India as represented in the later art of the subcontinent, dating from the fourteenth through the nineteenth century. Comprehensive in its conceptual framework, this presentation of three hundred thirty-three works brings together masterpieces of the sacred and court traditions and embraces as well the urban, folk, and tribal heritage." "India: Art and Culture 1300-1900 is the catalogue for the exhibition INDIA!, held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, from September 14, 1985, through January 5, 1986, the most extensive survey of Indian art ever assembled by a museum in the United States."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

"This illustrated history of Safavid Isfahan (1501-1722) explores the architectural and urban forms and networks of socio-cultural action that reflected a distinctly early modern and Perso-Shi'i practice of kingship." "An immense building campaign, initiated in 1590/1, transformed Isfahan from a provincial, medieval and largely Sunni city into an urban-centered representation of the first Imami Shi'i empire in the history of Islam. The historical process of Shi'ification of Safavid Iran, and the deployment of the arts in situating the shifts in the politico-religious agenda of the imperial household, informs Sussan Babaie's study of palatial architecture and urban environments of Isfahan and the earlier capitals of Tabriz and Qazvin."--BOOK JACKET.

"In this survey, Henri Stierlin discusses Islamic architecture and architectural decoration from the frontiers of Iran to the heart of India and places it within the historical context. Lavish illustrations of Islam's monuments, ceramics, jewelry, miniatures, textiles, mosaics, enamels and ivories enable us to use art as a window into Islamic culture. The final section of the book presents in depth nine great masterpieces of Islamic architecture, including the Friday Mosque in Isfahan, the Registan in Samarkand, the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri and Agra's miraculous Taj Mahal."--BOOK JACKET.

This beaitofully illustrated anthology explores the religious, cultural, economic, political, and military aspects of the Mughal empire. Written by a host of top contributors, it will serve as an authoritative history on the Mughals for a long time to come.

Through the themes of people and places and a wealth of objects, this illustrated book provides a concise and fascinating introduction to the Ming period. The author looks at the main production centres, the extensive distribution networks, and the roles of craftsmen, salesmen and customers.

Persian art and architecture have a rich heritage that stretches far beyond the borders of modern-day Iran, from the Abbasid monuments of Baghdad to the splendid Timurid buildings of Samarqand and Bukhara. The merging of influences resulted in a distinctive artistic style that spread through the Middle East. Spectacular polychrome tiles, intricate brickwork,curling arabesque motifs, and calligraphic inscriptions attain a transcendent beauty, designed to reflect both the temporal power of the rulers who commissioned them and the heavenly glory of creation.

Offering a new perspective on global trade relations during the Age of Exploration, this book explores the relationships among Portuguese merchants, Jesuits, and the Japanese during the nanban period (1543–1614). Created to accompany an exhibit, this catalog is richly illustrated with full-page images of Japanese art and artifacts of the period, from porcelain objects to furniture and weaponry. The texts reflect upon a broad range of topics, from commercial contacts between shoguns and Iberian governments to close readings of the cultural implications of images depicted in nanban art.  

Renaissance Europe was fascinated by the Ottoman Empire, giving rise to a great number of works of art that reflect this intercultural dynamism. This exhibition catalog presents selected examples of this early enthusiasm for the Orient.

Published in conjunction with an exhibition organized by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, in collaboration with The Museum of Fine Arts, Gifu, Japan. The book contains twelve essays and catalogue entries for more than 175 objects. Includes ceramics for the tea ceremony, paintings, screens and other works of art produced in the 16th century.