This stunning book offers an exceptional view of design, workmanship and craft in paintings and manuscripts, calligraphy, metalwork, ceramics, jade, glass, wood and ivory. The book opens with an explanation of the characteristics common to artistic creativity stretching back to the seventh century, from Spain to Indonesia. Works of superlative quality are then organised into chapters relating to central themes such as religion and belief, the supernatural and natural worlds, feasting, the hunt, war, music and power. The author explores each magnificent artwork in turn, providing cultural...