The knowledge and use of metals has played an important role in the evolution of many African cultures. This bibliography brings together, in one volume, publications on the origins, spread, mining, smelting, smithing, use, functions, aesthetics, significance, and impact of various metals and their alloys on African cultures. Covering African metallurgy from the African Iron Age to the present, this guide is a useful reference tool for archaeology, anthropology, ethnology, history, art, and religion.

Arranged geographically by country, the volume is fully annotated and includes both printed and electronic sources.

The elegant pen-strokes and visual harmony of Chinese writing, known as hanzi, have long been admired in the west. Classical Chinese calligraphy is a popular and valuable art form, and with the increasing economic and cultural power of China, its writing is becoming more widely appreciated and understood. In particular, the deep layers of history and symbolism which exist behind even the most everyday character have a strong appeal to those seeking understanding from an alternative philosophy. Chinese Characters: The Art of Hanzi features the most interesting of the three to four thousand characters are needed to write modern Chinese. Characters expressing concepts such as love, peace, respect and happiness are reproduced in a large format, enabling the reader to trace, scan or photocopy them for transfer to any other medium. Alongside the character is an accessible and inspiring explanation of how the character developed, what the particular strokes symbolize, and its various different meanings.

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

"Understanding Jewellery is a love letter to glorious pieces from the last hundred years." -M. J. Rose, The Adventurine "An enjoyably scholarly romp through the past and a feast for the eyes for the novice and the consummate jewelry fan and collector."-Beth Bernstein, Forbes "A must-have coffee table book for jewellery aficionados..." -Elisa Vallata, Departures International "As with stocks, education is the way to begin. There are many excellent books on the jewelry market, but start with Understanding Jewellery, the industry bible by two former Sotheby's jewelry executives, David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti." -Bloomberg Understanding Jewellery, by authors David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti, is often described as the must-have jewellery book of our time - a 'Bible' in the jewellery trade. First published in 1989, it has remained in print ever since, amassing a loyal following of devotees who admire its detailed information and stunning imagery. In this new work, Bennett and Mascetti have taken the original concept of Understanding Jewellery a stage further. Now, with the benefit of 20 years of hindsight, they have concentrated on the 20th century alone by conducting a detailed survey of each decade, identifying the key players, trends and movements. The book is an encyclopedic history of the various forms, techniques and materials employed by the companies and individuals who defined jewellery in the 20th century. Most significantly, this book includes a new set of photographs, which make Understanding Jewellery: The Twentieth Century one of the most dazzling, absorbing and varied collections of jewellery images ever assembled in a book. This large format hardback volume is a perfect gift for all lovers of jewellery and the definitive guide for those who desire a deeper understanding of the subject.

Ages 6 to 12 yearsManufactured in ENGLAND, FLORAL FABRIC's delicate motifs-often dotted with SMALL FLOWERS-are coveted by women and girls. Invented by ARTHUR LASENBY in 1884, the fabric's sizing is removed before the cloth is printed. This allows the colourful inks to bleed through, making it appear as if the designs are printed on both sides of the cloth.Floral fabric is highly prized for handbags, key rings, and other accessories. If you follow the SIMPLE STEPS in this booklet, you can create your own BEAUTIFUL FLORAL FABRIC BRACELET!

This is a detailed study of the illustrations to Amir Khusrau's Khamsah, in which twenty discourses are followed by a brief parable, and four romances. Amir Khusrau (1253-1325) lived the greater part of adventurous life in Delhi; he composed in Persian, and also in Hindi. From the point of view of manuscript illustration, his most important work is his Khamsah (Quintet'). Khusrau's position as a link between cultures of Persia and India means that the early illustrated copies of the Khamsah have a particular interest. The first extant exemplar is from the Persian area in the late 14th century, but a case can be made that work was probably illustrated earlier in India.

Drawing can improve your mood, release endorphins and make you happy – but for many, the fear of the blank page, combined with a lack of confidence and know-how, can be daunting.

In her new book, Molly Egan encourages you to sketch like no one is watching! Once you stop caring what people think – just like when you were a child – your creativity will flow. Filled with drawing prompts and tutorials, Molly will help you to unleash your creativity and embrace your own unique style. Build your skills by revisiting the basics, such as shape, perspective and pattern, then learn how to draw from photographs and from real life, sketching people, nature, buildings, landscapes and more.

Small enough to put in your bag, yet big enough to make impactful art, this fun title will reignite your passion for being creative.

This title offers 25 step-by-step hand-crafted projects. It shows you how to master decorative wood techniques including carving, pyrography, marquetry and fretwork, as well as basic automata and construction. It offers 25 stunning projects that include a tomato box chest, a carved maple clock with carved numerals, a rodeo toy, mirror frame and a contemporary shelf. It offers step-by-step instructions for techniques and ideas with over 300 photographs. Simple materials and equipment are used to create a diverse range of wooden objects. It introduces an inspiring variety of contemporary work by leading craftspeople. Essential information for selecting and preparing wood is included, with details of the main hard- and softwoods, the tools and the basic techniques. For anyone who enjoys creative crafts, working with wood is a perfect medium for both practical and artistic purposes. This book introduces a variety of decorative wood techniques, that are used in 25 appealing projects, which range from a simple keepsake card in balsa wood requiring the minimum of equipment, a harlequin book end, and a sturdy five-piece bench constructed in hardwood parana pine. Other imaginative projects use found or dismantled wooden objects, such as the Mirror Frame with stair spindles or the Lamp Base made from orange boxes. Every project is designed to reveal the characteristic grain, natural shade and texture of the individual wood. Although to make a number of these projects you will need a drill and a jigsaw, many do not require elaborate power tools. Don't be put off by sophisticated techniques, but connect with this natural resource at the most basic level, enjoying its classic, natural simplicity.

An impressive array of furniture, most never seen in print before, comprise this new study of American cabinetmakers and their furniture from the Victorian through the Modern eras. More than 500 photographs illustrate design elements that make this furniture distinctive and attractive to a wide audience today. From Rennaissance Revival to Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modern forms, the furniture shown here has had an impact on the history of interior design worldwide.

This bumper edition of Aidan Meehan's practical guides to the art and design of the Celts brings together three of his bestselling titles, A Beginner's Manual, Knotwork and Illuminated Letters. This practical, step-by-step manual provides an invaluable, comprehensive source of instruction and inspiration for artists, designers and craftspeople of all kinds.

Concrete is a fascinating material in the hands of a creative person. The Direct Concrete Technique, illustrated in this book, empowers anyone to make furniture or sculpture by hand without molds or forms. The key to this method is the use of a steel armature covered with wires. With 296 vivid color photos and precise text, you can learn the steps necessary to use concrete as a fine art material to create innovative and imaginative furniture, from initial concept and the creation of the armature to the application of concrete and finishing the artwork. \nBold and elegant designs of lightweight curvilinear elements can be fashioned with this method. The advantages of concrete and the direct technique are numerous, and the results are immediate and durable. Skills to make free-formed objects of concrete are easily mastered and creative opportunities abound throughout the process. A furniture gallery is provided for further inspiration.

Superbly illustrated with more than 150 specially commissioned colour photographs, this book beautifully demonstrates the dazzling strengths of Morocco's crafts - a centuries-long tradition which intermingles influences from both Black Africa and Islam, and from the spectacular cultural alliance of the Moors and the Spaniards. This pioneering account, based on the author's own first-hand research, examines vibrantly coloured textiles, jewelry, leather, wood and metalwork and an enormous variety of pottery and ceramics. Complete with guidance for collectors and a uniquely revealing analysis of the belief systems, festivals and ceremonies to which the arts relate, this book by the leading scholar in the field will be invaluable to collectors, designers and all those looking for original decorative ideas.

More than 60 of today's top lighting designers from the United States and Europe are showcased here, along with up-and-coming talents. Over 300 color photos of hundreds of funky, fun, classic, far-out, retro, and whimsical designs, including chandelier and ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and table and floor lamps are featured. This is the ultimate shoppers' guide for anyone hunting for the unique and special. An index provides contact information for each design studio. Also, items shown have suggested retail prices in the captions. This is a must-have for professional interior designers, and an invaluable tool for any homeowner shopping for something truly fabulous.

Sunny cats, sad cats, grinning cats, bad cats, cats with scowls and cats with jowls ...hand-bound with a silk screened cover, "I Like Cats" features a gallery of irresistible feline characters from some of the best-known tribal and folk artists of India. A delight for cat lovers, art lovers, and artsy cat lovers!

When it comes to paracord bracelets, key fobs and other accessories, everybody wants one! We make it easy for you to grab some cool paracord in your favourite colours and get started making hot bracelets and other accessories to wear and share with friends. No special tools required! This book teaches you how to make the original Cobra Stitch bracelets as well as six more styles of knots: Chain Sinnet, Stitched Solomon Bar, Raising the Bar, Trilobite, Switchback and River Bar. Fastenings include buckles or loops and ball knots. There are also tips for making key fobs, accenting headbands and flip flops, and adding bling to the bracelets.

An overgrown concrete bunker at Ypres; a rusting gun carriage in a field in Flanders; perfectly preserved trenchworks at Vimy, northern France; a rocky mountaintop observation post high in the Tyrolean mountains. More than 100 years after the end of World War I, the conflict's legacy can still be seen from Europe to the Pacific. Abandoned Places of World War I explores more than 120 bunkers, trench systems, tunnels, fortifications and gun emplacements from North America to East Africa. Included are defensive structures, such as Fort Douaumont at Verdun, the site of the Western Front's bloodiest battle; the elaborately constructed tunnels of the Wellington Quarry, near Arras, designed to provide a safe working hospital for wounded British soldiers; and crumbling concrete pill boxes in Anzac Cove, Turkey. From the preserved remains of the mighty Przemysl fortress to bunkers and observation points high in the Slovenian Dolomites, Abandoned Places of World War I features more than 180 striking photographs from around the world.

Once, nutmeg was worth its weight in gold. For much of human history, the tiny Banda Islands in Indonesia were the only source of this esteemed spice. From the age of the Silk Roads through to the mid-19th century partial shift of production to the Caribbean, covering battles between the Honourable East India Company and the Dutch Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, this book traces the story of nutmeg, revealing its extensive and often surprising influence over conflict, politics, social mores, and Western society. Beautiful antique silver, gold, enamel, bone, ivory, treen and Tunbridgeware graters and rasps demonstrate how much nutmeg was valued throughout history. This book gathers pictures of some of the finest examples world-wide, alongside mechanical and base metal graters and spice containers. It illustrates, and provides useful information on, the history of pomanders which were associated with nutmeg, as this spice was once thought to ward off pestilence and plague. Combining the social history of nutmeg with explanations of the spice production and transportation process, and illustrating in detail examples in international nutmeg grater collections and museums, this book is the essential reference work for collectors, antique dealers and auctioneers.