LOST TREASURES OF PERSIA English 1996

(For US customer $ 59.95) The Hermitage Museum and other institutes, libraries and museums in Russia and the republics of the former Soviet Union house some of the most magnificent treasures of Persian art. Many of these works are published and cataloged here for the first time with an unsurpassed selection of color plates. In an expansive introduction Vladimir Loukonine, Director of the Oriental Art section of the Hermitage Museum, broadly documents the major developments of Persian art: from the first signs of civilization on the plains of Iran some ten centuries BCE up to the early twentieth century. The second part of the book is a catalog of Persian art in the collections of the former Soviet Union giving their location, provenance, descriptions and biographies of the artists when known. Lost Treasures of Persia demonstrates a common theme running through Persian art during the past 3000 years. Despite many religious and political upheavals, Persian art-whether it is in its architecture, sculpture, frescoes, miniatures, porcelain, fabrics or rugs; whether in the work of humble craftsmen or the high art of court painters-displays a delicate touch (letafat) and a subtle refinem