A labour of love and scholarship, this is a study of the extraordinary Royal Library of Dom Joao V (1706-1750) of Portugal that was destroyed in 1755 in the Lisbon earthquake. The library co... read more
A re-issue of Leach's book, first published in 1978. Born in Hong Kong, he later lived for many years in Japan where he trained as a potter; eventually he settled near St Ives, built a Japan... read more
Half a century before Owen Jones's 'Grammar of Ornament' (1856), Freiherr zu Racknitz produced this survey of twenty-four different styles, some historical, some contemporary, the predictabl... read more
Published in February of this year to accompany the V&A's splendid exhibition - delayed, like so much else, to the late summer. Very good mix of exquisite antique pieces and contemporary fli... read more
Richly illustrated book presenting the gorgeous Chinoiserie floral and avian wallpapers in the houses where they have been used. The author founded the company thirty years ago, setting up a... read more
A lavish illustrated book on one of the most comprehensive private collections of pocket watches. Includes baroque glories and wonderful enamelled watches for export to Turkey and China in t... read more
There is no clear distinction between art, craft and design in Japan. This fascinating book focuses on 25 artisans whose work is intended for every day life.. and is it art?
Rutter - a literature graduate who notes the etymological link between 'text' and 'textile' - travelled the British Isles researching the social history of wool and knitting. This charming a... read more
Gorgeous and generous survey arranged by region. Includes very rare pieces. Published to the same high standard as Prestel's 'Textiles of Japan' a couple of years ago.
Another wonderful illustrated volume of tangential history from Yale (see the book on guitars, below, in 'Music'). This is an exploration of how the rose has inspired fashion over hundreds o... read more
Published to coincide with Edmund de Waal's installation about exile, displacement, libraries and voice that recently opened at the British Museum. The exhibition has migrated from Venice to... read more