This noteworthy and exceptionally comprehensive book features edged weapons dating from the Neolithic period to the early 20th century. These fascinating antiques come from all over the globe, including Europe, America, the Middle East, Asia, Japan, and Africa. Detailed descriptions and over 890 outstanding color photos help collectors identify and study the characteristics, historical uses, and current values of highly diverse swords and daggers. Among the items showcased are tribal, ceremonial, and presentation edged weapons, Indonesian krises, and Borneo "headhunter" swords. Valuable information is provided about rare artifacts, terminology, and evaluating age and authenticity of the weapons. Novice as well as advanced collectors will find this an indispensable reference.

Finally, a book on Tibetan art and antiques with 500 brilliant color photographs that provide a broad survey and visual reference guide. It presents Tibetan thangka and tantric religious art and ritual objects, manuscripts, woodblock prints, document holders, sculptures, furniture, tea services, snuff holders and smoking equipment, swords, daggers, armor, jewelry, textiles, musical instruments, and writing tools and seals. The engaging text is both a brief history of Tibet and information concerning every art form and antique displayed. The arrangement of the materials by type offers a quick and easy reference guide to this wide variety of wares. Values for the items shown are provided in the captions. For anyone with a passion for Tibet, Oriental art, and antiques, this book will be a welcome addition to the reference library.

Prized the world over, jade has been considered a sacred stone with miraculous powers since prehistoric times. In ancient China, jade was regarded as the most important physical substance on earth. This invaluable book traces the chronological use of jade carvings in China, including primitive utilitarian tools, fascinating ceremonial objects, beautiful ornaments, and intricately designed sculptures. Lavishly illustrated with over 900 color photographs, it features a wide diversity of examples and helps today's collector identify different types of jade and their period of carving -- ranging from neolithic times through the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Also discussed in less detail are jade carvings from India, New Zealand, and pre-Columbian civilizations such as the Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec. Tips for determining the age and authenticity of jade carvings are provided, along with current values for all items illustrated. This indispensable reference will appeal to all collectors and admirers of jade and the Oriental arts.

Netsuke, the carved toggles used to fasten a small container to a kimono sash, made from ivory, wood, porcelain,and more, are among the most popular Asian antiques. Over 970 vivid images of netsuke are shown, representing Japanese life, customs, religion, professions, art, history, and legends. The netsukes are organized by subject, allowing readers to rapidly find those that interest them most. The succinct text introduces, defines, and describes the various types of netsukes and helps identify the subjects represented. Additionally, important evaluating tips are provided, along with a bibliography. This book is a must for anyone interested in Oriental art.