Viewing Stone Arts of Yunnan

📖 The Scoop

The first book in English of the natural viewing stones, scholar's rocks, decorative rocks, jewelry and sculpture made from stone from Yunnan province, China. It is generously illustrated with full page images of Dali Marble and Wuding picture stones, Golden Dragon Jade, Yunnan Red Agate, Iron Ball, and pattern stones from the Jinshan, Lancang, Honghe and Nujiang Rivers. Maps and chapters introducing Yunnan province, the geology and the history of Yunnan stone art appreciation and references are included. It is hardbound with a dust jacket and contains 152 pages. The co-authors are Thomas S. Elias, Lianju Li and Christopher Y. Fan. Deeply rooted in ancient Chinese culture, viewing stone culture has evolved over millennia and prospered and expanded in the last four decades. Once stone appreciation was in the realm of the scholars and bureaucrats who often composed poetry and prose about their attributes or praised their virtues in calligraphy and paintings. Later, merchants embraced this art form and brought it to a wider audience. Today in modern China, millions of people throughout the country engaged in the collection and appreciation of beauty and interesting stones and various pieces of jewelry and sculptures made from stone. Chinese stone appreciation culture has spread to countries globally.

Genre: Antiques & Collectibles / General (fancy, right?)