A masterpiece of medieval Arab metalwork revealed, shedding light on courtly life in northern Iraq under the Mongol governorship. Accompanying a major scholarly exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery, this book explores one of the most beautiful and enigmatic objects in The Courtauld's collection: the so-called 'Courtauld wallet', a brass container richly inlaid with gold and silver, imitating a lady's textile or leather bag, and probably made in Mosul in northern Iraq around 1300. No other object of this kind is known. Decorated all round with courtly figures and on the top with an elaborate banqueting scene featuring an enthroned couple, it has long been recognised as a masterpiece of Arab metalwork. Yet, despite the superb quality of its design and craftsmanship and its status as a unique object, this exceptional metalwork bag has never been properly published. Thus it remains little known outside a small circle of specialists, and little understood even within that circle. Encompassing a variety of multidisciplinary essays by distinguished historians and art historians- on subjects ranging from music at the Mongol court, Mosul under Mongol governorship and Mongol marriage customs to the role of women under the Ilkhanids-this publication aims to explore the origins, function and iconography of this splendid luxury object as well as the cultural context in which it was made and used. It will bring together other images of enthroned Mongols with female consorts, as well as scenes of hunters, revellers and musicians in a variety of media, including illustrated manuscripts, ceramics, textile, and metalwork. By presenting the bag alongside carefully selected contemporary material, it will provide an insight into courtly life under the Mongols in the newly conquered areas of their empire, and will also provide an unrivalled opportunity to investigate the inlaid brass tradition in Mosul after the Mongol Conquest. Objects made before and after this seismic event will be reproduced side by side to demonstrate how the Mosul metalworkers adapted their work for their new patrons.

The strange cries heard at night in a dilapidated penitentiary, the glimpse of a `White Lady' floating through a graveyard, the face at the window in a room that has been locked for decades - stories of hauntings never cease to intrigue us. From palaces to prisons, from an 11th century chateau in France to 'The Island of the Dolls' in Mexico City, Haunted Places features the world's most fascinating spooky locations. Some hauntings are recent, others are ancient, but all the stories are striking: from the deceased monks who pace the boundaries of a ruined former priory, to the lift operator in a Canadian hotel still working his shift decades after he died, to the infamous Vlad the Impaler, who haunts a Romanian castle where he was imprisoned for seven years. With tales of the `Mad Old Woman' who searches Highgate cemetery in London for the children she supposedly murdered to strange laughter heard at night, from apparitions to floating orbs to radios suddenly changing station, Haunted Places features 150 outstanding photographs of haunted sites. Each eerie photograph is accompanied by a caption explaining the story of the haunting, from tragic accidents to brutal murders, from executions to disease and other sorrowful endings.

William Morris's interests were wide-ranging: he was a poet, writer, political and social activist, conservationist and businessman, as well as a brilliant and original designer and manufacturer. This book explores the balance between Morris's various spheres of activity and influence, places his art in the context of its time and explores his ongoing and far-reaching legacy. A pioneer of the Arts & Crafts Movement, William Morris (1834-1896) is one of the most influential designers of all time. Morris turned the tide of Victorian England against an increasingly industrialized manufacturing process towards a rediscovered respect for the skill of the maker. Morris's whole approach still resonates today, and his designs are popular and much admired. Published to mark the 125th anniversary of Morris's death, this book includes contributions from a wide range of Morris experts, with chapters on painting, church decoration and stained glass, interior decoration, furniture, tiles and tableware, wallpaper, textiles, calligraphy and publishing. Additional materials include a contextualized chronology of Morris's life and a list of public collections around the world where examples of Morris's work may be seen today. This study is a comprehensive, fully illustrated exploration of a great thinker and artist, and essential reading for anyone interested in the history of design. With 668 illustrations in colour

In this compilation of projects and plans from "Furniture & Cabinetmaking" magazine, veteran craftsman Mark Ripley puts 20 years' worth of practical tips, refreshing ideas, and innovative approaches on the page. The 24 fully-diagrammed and illustrated designs here offer something to furniture-makers of all abilities, from a simple dining-room table to the more complex breakfront bookcase. And these projects don't require a lavishly-equipped shop: each design requires little more than a bench, a small bandsaw, two or three portable power tools, and a basic kit of hand tools. Before diving into building plans, Ripley helps readers understand the basics of properly choosing materials and harmonizing the elements of furniture design.

Presents guidelines and step-by-step projects for decorating ordinary household items and features. The text introduces the materials and equipment needed and covers the basic techniques, from preparing surfaces and cutting a stencil to protecting the finished work with varnish. The main part of the book takes elements of the home in turn: walls and floors; furniture; accessories and fabrics; and outdoor spaces. Also included are ideas for borders and alternative applications for each motif, together with a section on materials and techniques.

Engraving by hand is the oldest art of mankind and one that still flourishes today. With a simple message the precious metal engraver can give a unique personality to an otherwise commonplace cigarette box, goblet or compact. Despite the singular character of the craft very few practical books have been written on engraving precious and other materials employed by the jeweller; in fact none have been published in the United Kingdom for many years. Engraving on Precious Metals is for professionals and others who wish to learn hand engraving as a hobby or trade, and reveals many previously undisclosed practices of the commercial engraver which help to make his skill quite astonishing. All aspects of the craft are covered exhaustively, including the relatively modern innovation of the high-class machine engraver. This machine is particularly useful for repeat monograms and designs which are afterwards filled, because the template that guides the machine can be cut by hand. Illustrated throughout with over 250 drawings, the book gives practical hints for use in the workshop, while artistic matters are covered extensively in chapters on lettering design and layout, monograms, nameplates and ornamentation. A basic knowledge of ancillary crafts can be found in the sections on piercing, polishing, soldering and inlaying, and the use of unusual materials such as ivory, wood or plastic is also discussed. The final chapter contains a wide selection of different styles of lettering which are numbered for easy reference, and can be used by the retailer to indicate styles to customers and engravers.

Cast iron cookware is an increasingly hot item in the antique marketplace. Collectors are scouring antique shops, shows, and flea markets searching for treasures to add to their collections; and hunting for more information about the products' history and manufacturers. In response to this growing demand, David Smith and Chuck Wafford have created another authoritative guide to collectible cast iron. This book continues where The Book of Griswold & Wagner left off-illustrating hundreds of items not included in the previous book. With over 845 photographs of cast iron pieces from the Wagner, Griswold, Lodge, Vollrath, Excelsior, and Martin manufacturing companies, this book delves into the histories and products produced by these manufacturers. Complete with pattern numbers, catalog list numbers, price guide, index, and much more; this book is a must-have for all cast iron cookware collectors.

Folk art traditions in Haiti today rise to the level of fine art in the beaded flags shown here. They demonstrate a joyful expression of living with the spirits, as the flagmakers express their individual artistic spark. Over 350 color photographs present hundreds of unique designs by dozens of contemporary artists. But this is not just a pretty book; it also explores the spiritual beliefs at the core of the designs and a folk lore expressed in this most unique format. A little history of Haiti and a little explanation of the Vodou religion helps to explain the people who create these flags. By relating personal stories, the author soon absorbs readers into the rich and devout culture that the flags represent. As the beautiful designs and exquisite craftsmanship flow across these pages, explanations are given to define the saints and relate the stories that are featured in the images. It is a powerful presentation. The glossary and recommended reading invite further study.

This work, published on the 94th birthday of Diana Scarisbrick, honours her extraordinary career as the 'world's leading jewellery historian'. Twenty scholars, most of whom have known and benefited from Scarisbrick's vast knowledge over many decades, have contributed essays to this book. Liber Amicorum centres around the historian to which it is dedicated, Diana Scarisbrick. The work of the twenty contributors owes much to her own pioneering research in the feeled of jewellery history. The book opens with a brief biographical summary of Scarisbrick's life before exploring her assiduous work in the field of jewellery history. A subsequent bibliography of Scarisbrick's career work is provided which includes articles, interviews, and books published from 1970 to the present day, and serves as evidence of her eminence. The work as a whole functions as a 'small token of appreciation for all that she has contributed to the world of jewellery history'. The essays in this publication cover topics that range from Roman jewellery to the contemporary production of jewellery. Not constrained by a focus on one particular time period, these essays are indicative of the breadth of influence that Diana Scarisbrick's career has had. Contributions cover several different themes: amongst the objects discussed are gems, rings, chalices, bindings and crown jewels. The themes covered include jewel theft, methods of jewellery production, and the collections of individuals. Throughout each essay the insightful historical research of the contributors is beautifully supported by high quality illustrations. These bring the book to life, highlighting the splendour and fragility of some of the objects that are dicussed.

In his newest book, silver expert Richard Osterberg guides readers on a colorful, yet practical tour of fine antique silver. The book's first part deals with silver flatware made circa 1875-1885, with a broad representation of patterns and forms. Next, a myriad of serving pieces are displayed, with examples of each type and function. In the third part, place settings are covered in many different patterns, showing the wide variety of pieces that were used, from the common knives, forks, and spoons to more obscure forms like individual bird knives, bird forks, and cherry forks. Finally, individual place settings are shown, together with silver, china, linen, and crystal to suggest dining as a truly stimulating visual expereince. Throughout the text value ranges are given, making it easy to look up individual prices. Using this book can be both inspirational and educational. It is both a must for collectors wishing to identify pieces of old family silver and an essential aid to the modern host or hostess.

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

The rich beauty and craftsmanship of leather objects dating from 1900-1929 is captured here in 540 beautiful color photos. These items include fine leather accessories, such as billfolds, blotters, bookends boxes, cigar cases, document cases, glove cases, mats napkin rings, paperweights, purses, and wastebaskets. They were made to enhance American interiors with Stickley furniture, Van Erp lamps, and Roycroft hammered copper vessels. Historical information features individual artists and commercial firms includes Roycroft, Newcomb College, and Elizabeth Eaton Burton. German design influence that became known as "Buffalo Nouveau" is included. This is an essential guide to the hand-tooled craftsmanship of this bygone era.

This title uses instructive diagrams and photographs to instill confidence in critiquing sources of inspiration. In this inspiring book, Derek Hayes investigates the process and practice of design in woodturning. While aiming to instill confidence in appreciating, criticising and selecting sources of inspiration, Derek questions why we may find one turning attractive and another ugly. He looks closely at design elements, sketching, proportion, pattern, decoration and colour; with instructive diagrams and photographs that will guide the reader to a better understanding of design. Readers are encouraged to question and fine-tune this understanding and experiment with ways of applying the approaches of other designers to their own work. Each chapter starts with a photographic example of what Derek sees as good design in a medium other than woodturning.

Lettering is a new trend which, in just few months, has collected a wide number of fans around the globe. It is the art of creating wonderful and elegant handmade writings to personalize cards, placeholders, agendas or notes. This manual will guide enthusiasts in the discovery of the ideal techniques, tools and alphabets for creative lettering, and will teach them, step by step, to create their own creative lettering. After the first volume published by White Star, "The art of hand lettering", a new complete volume to develop a personal alphabet as well as mastering a range of fonts perfect for different occasions. Lot of pages to exercise and useful tips for the perfect tools.