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Southeast Asia: A History in Objects (British Museum)

Alexandra Green author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Thames & Hudson Ltd

Published:20th Feb '23

Should be back in stock very soon

Southeast Asia: A History in Objects (British Museum) cover

A new take on Southeast Asia’s complex history, expertly told through art objects and cultural artefacts dating from the Neolithic Age to the present.

Southeast Asia is home to numerous world heritage sites. Through engaging texts and expertly curated objects from the British Museum collection, arranged chronologically and thematically into seven chapters, this volume offers a new approach to one of the most complex and diverse areas of the world. Every object tells a story in a wide-ranging and accessible selection that illuminates the civilizations, societies and local cultures that have defined Southeast Asia over the past 6,000 years.

From the emergence of early agricultural communities and stratified societies to the rise of powerful empires and religious developments in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity, and to the eras of colonial rule and independence, curator and art historian Alexandra Green traces and explores the variety of Southeast Asian cultures. The texts describe the region through a broad range of objects, including sculptures from the historic civilizations of Java, Angkor, Bagan and Sukhothai, as well as ceramics, furniture, religious items, basketry, textiles, popular posters and contemporary art. This book is an informative visual delight for curious minds everywhere.

'Green allows us to see shared moments of history … and their shared impact on artistic production' - Art Quarterly
'Beautifully illustrated … a reminder, if one was needed, of the vibrant creativity of the people of this part of our world' - Arts Society
'Succeeds in capturing a more diverse and complex story … If ever you need a quick guide to Southeast Asia’s history, this is it' - ArtReview
'Outstanding … the magnum opus of Alexandra Green’s career' - Dawn Rooney, author and Art Historian specialising in Southeast Asia

ISBN: 9780500480878

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 920g

272 pages