Central Asian Art

Description: The Art of the Islamic world is not well-known in the West. The strict prohibition on the representation of the human form has channelled artistic creation into architectural decoration. There is a basic simplicity of lifestyle among the rich and poor which permeates the whole of Asia, so that purely decorative objects, such as those found in the West, are frowned upon. This fact, and the remoteness of Central Asia, with its natural mountain barriers, has isolated it from Occidental society. This book will therefore come as a revelation. It is a magical tour through Central Asia - Kirghiz, Tadjikistan, Turkmenia, and Uzbekistan - a cradle of Ancient civilisations and a repository of the oriental arts inspired by Buddhism and Islam. This book contains a unique collection of architecture, artefacts, and art never before seen in the West, and as such it is a vital addition to any art lover's library.