Treasures of Asian Art: The Asia Society Museum Collection

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Asia Society in New York, this elegant book explores the breadth and depth of the venerable museum's collection of traditional and contemporary Asian art. Reflected in the holdings of Asia Society, this book shows how contemporary artists from Asia and the diaspora have responded to seismic shifts in sociopolitical, economic, and cultural conditions. The book groups artworks to emphasize the strengths of the collection and to allow for broader discussion of the connections between historic and contemporary art. The initial section includes traditional works, divided by region. Following is a section devoted to contemporary works, including those made by Asians living abroad. The pieces are presented as part of a narrative, rather than discrete objects, thus allowing readers to consider history, region, religion, and technique as contextual touchstones in their appreciation of these treasures. Lavishly illustrated, this book acknowledges the enormous transformations that have taken place in Asian cultures, while also commemorating the continent's magnificent contributions throughout the history of art.