Metropolitan Museum of Art

This was a disappointment, and I should have known that. This book dates from 1980, more than 40 years ago, which, when it comes to China, is an eternity: archaeological research has now yielded a boatload of new insights, making much of what is presented here really dated. However, at the time this was a prestigious exhibition: no fewer than 85 large bronze (art) objects from the earliest history of China were exhibited in the US. It was an offshoot of the American-Chinese rapprochement in 1972, a cultural equivalent of the subsequent 'ping-pong diplomacy'. However, most of the illustrations in this book, because they are in black and white, detract from that great splendor. And as mentioned, the chronological framework of this book (especially the oldest dynasties) is now thoroughly outdated. More about that in my History account on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6481747361… (mehr)

Photos of paintings, drawings, sculptures, etc. from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rather than being organized by media, country of origin, period or school, the photos are grouped by subject matter: play, singing and dancing, animals, etc. The works are identified by: date, media, place of origin, artist and title. There is no meaningful text beyond this and an introductory page stating that people are free to appreciate art without preconditions. A delightful sampling of the museum’s collection.… (mehr)

Rather specialized survey of the relations between different regions in the Middle East, in the 2nd millennium BCE. Of course, Mesopotamia and the Nile Valley are the main focus, but the book also goes very deeply into the neighboring and more periphal areas. And the focus is mainly on trade, but also the exchange of art and craft, and of diplomatic relations are discussed. Extensively illustrated, as this actually is a book companying an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York, in 2008. A little more in my History account on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/ 5036749710… (mehr)