In modern studies pinax refers to a flat, rectangular, painted slab of clay placed in a sanctuary or tomb. In this study the author presents the various occurrences and possible meanings of the word pinax in the sources and examines the representation of pinakes on vases. A synthesis of pinakes is much needed since it can provide valuable information about ancient Greek religious and social practices. To this end, this book by concentrating on Attic pinakes fills a substantial gap in scholarship since Attic pinakes have not been methodically studied before, although they form one of the largest corpora of pinakes, and are hence a rich and reliable source of information.

The first publication to examine the pioneering designer and prolific collector who led Tiffany & Co. to creative and commercial success A silversmith, designer, and prodigious collector, Edward C. Moore (1827-1891) was the creative leader who brought Tiffany & Co. toun paralleled originality and success during the late nineteenth century. This informative, richly illustrated volume-the first study of Moore's life and influence-presents more than 175 examples from his vast collection, ranging from Greek and Roman glass to Spanish vases, Islamic metalwork, and Japanese textiles. These are juxtaposed with sixty-nine magnificent silver objects created by the designers and artisans at Tiffany who were inspired by Moore's acquisitions. The illuminating texts have been enriched by groundbreaking research into newspapers, periodicals, the Tiffany & Co. Archives, a newly identified technical manual, and supervisor's diaries, all of which provide an intimate look at the firm's design processes and Moore's role in shaping them. A valuable contribution to the history of American decorative arts, Collecting Inspiration illuminates the legendary Tiffany aesthetic and the legacy of a significant collector, designer, and entrepreneur of the Gilded Age. Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press Exhibition Schedule: