Forrest McGill

Emerald Cities is a lavishly illustrated catalog of artworks from Thailand and Burma, and provides an introduction to one of Asia's richest and least known artistic traditions. Focusing primarily on decorative and religious objects from the nineteenth century, Emerald Cities brings to light the lively, yet often strained, interchange between the regions of central and northern Thailand (Siam) and Burma.While representing the latest art historical scholarship, Emerald Cities is also an accessible entry into the world of Thailand and Burma, and highlights such luxuriant and spectacular artworks as gilded and mirrored ritual vessels, black lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlaid furniture, and vibrant, colorful paintings. These objects convey an exotic and exuberant ambiance which transports the reader to a lost time and place, one unlike any other.

This lavishly illustrated catalogue of artworks from Thailand and Burma provides an introduction to one of Asia's richest and least known artistic traditions.Focusing primarily on decorative and religious objects from the nineteenth century (along with some earlier and later works), the art book brings to light the lively, yet often strained, interchange between the regions of central and northern Thailand (Siam) and Burma. Thailand and Burma are neighboring countries that are approximately the same size in area and population and have many cultural features in common. Yet they have traditionally been adversaries. This book explores some of the elements that have both drawn the countries together and driven them apart. It contains incisive essays by leading scholars as well as detailed entries relating to nearly 150 spectacular works of art-on view at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco from October 23, 2009, through January 10, 2010-many of which have never before been on public display in the West. While representing the latest art historical scholarship, the book is intended for the general public. It will be of interest to anyone intrigued by such luxuriant and spectacular artworks as gilded and mirrored ritual vessels, black lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlaid furniture, and vibrant, colorful paintings. To many, these objects will convey something of the exotic and exuberant ambiance captured in romantic travel books and films such as The King and I. To browse these pages is to be transported, by artworks that are by turns opulent, reverent, and whimsical, to a lost time and place, one unlike any other.

Through dozens of beautiful art pieces and lively commentary, this charming art book explores the legacies of five centuries of interaction between Asia and Europe. The mutual fascination began with the sea contact made during the early Renaissance. Although relations beween East and West could often turn deadly, there were also many moments of lightness and frivolity, and it is these that are given special attention here. Such moments enchant and disarm, yet, as this book shows, they also bear deeper implications. A Curious Affair was produced to accompany an exhibition of the same name, presented at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. The exhibition featured more than 75, sculptures, furniture, ceramics, and other decorative arts. Included were artworks made in Great Britain, the United States, and France, as well as in China, India, Japan, and other Asian countries. They were drawn from private San Francisco Bay Area collections and the collection of the Asian Art Museum.