This important new book tackles the burgeoning revival of the blacksmith's art. Author Dona Meilach has brought together over 500 works by nearly 200 artist-craftsmen from sixteen countries to illustrate the unprecedented activity in modern ironwork that has led to its blossoming into a serious art form. You'll learn several techniques using hot and cold forming with the results clearly shown. You'll be able to recognize how a fence, railing, grille, table, chair, knife, and other items evolve, and better appreciate their design and workmanship. Each chapter provides background for the type of objects shown — architectural ironwork, sculpture, furniture, containers and vessels, lighting fixtures and candleholders, fireplace accessories, wind vanes, household and liturgical items, and the incredible knives made of Damascus steel. You'll find ample information for how and where to begin your own study in this extensive resource list of organizations, Internet sources, publications, museums, and educational opportunities. The Contemporary Blacksmith** undoubtedly should be found in the libraries of every metalworker, art educator, architect, interior designer, ironwares collector, and crafts person.

The antique beaded bag is a most exquisite and sought-after vintage collectible. Over 600 color photographs display hundreds of mostly European handbags, many never before published, including Miser, American Indian, embroidered, drawstring, framed, scenic, Bohemian, and cut steel, with information on care, history, and design technique, and close-up photographs of the intricate beadwork. Detailed captions, a current value guide, a comprehensive bibliography, and an index guarantee this to be the ultimate collector's guide to vintage handbag fashion design.

Fine details of carving and construction are highlighted to demonstrate the best golden oak furniture from American makers at the end of the 19th century. China cabinets, bookcases, chairs, tables and accent forms all are shown in various styles.

The world now applauds the exquisite ornamental ceramics made in Japan in the late 19th century for export to Europe and America. They dazzle the public today as they originally did when introduced at the International Fairs in Philadelphia, London, Paris, Chicago, and St. Louis over a hundred years ago. Here the breathtaking beauty of intricate decoration on Satsuma, Imari, Kutani, Hirado and other ceramics is displayed in over 500 color photographs with a carefully researched text, descriptive captions, and information about the current world market for these pieces. Discoveries in new places have brought forth fresh examples for this book. Ceramics collectors worldwide will be able to compare the craftsmanship of these imaginative designs and learn how the international market both demanded and supported trade in their ornate decorations.

From one-of-a-kind, hand-made fashions, accessories, and jewelry to commercially made, highly decorative items, wearable art has become an important category for collectors of vintage costume and unique contemporary fashions. This book, with its 575 color photographs, showcases stunning examples of vintage and contemporary wearable art accessories, including close-up shots detailing the intricacy of handiwork involved for the items, a glossary, bibliography, and value guide. An exquisite assemblage of hats, handbags, scarves, shoes, and jewelry present this compelling topic at its best. From Art Deco enameled mesh to Judith Leiber jeweled handbags, antique African trade beads to Femo, the examples shown are not necessarily museum art, but are real wearable creations from the antique to the present. It is sure to delight and intrigue anyone interested in fashion, art, and the unusual and beautiful.

From one-of-a-kind hand made fashion to commercially made highly decorative apparel, wearable art has become an important category for both collectors of vintage costume and of unique contemporary fashion. This book, with more than 500 color photographs, is the first to cover both vintage and new wearable art. Chapters on different categories of apparel present this compelling topic at its best. Not necessarily museum art, but real wearable creations, from the antique to the present, the creations presented in this book complimented by an extensive illustrated glossary, bibliography, and a value guide will delight anyone interested in fashion, art, and the unusual and beautiful.

Using over 700 color photos, the author leads us through rooms full of fabulous antique golden oak furniture as she describes and instructs the readers. All will value the price guide and detailed descriptions as useful tools for years to come.

Harrison Fisher 's illustrations in nearly 450 color and black and white magazine covers and book pages document his career. Most famous from 1905 to 1920, he achieved celebrity status and was the leading judge of beauty. Includes price guide by dealer and collector Bruce Magnotti.

Who can resist the magic of beautiful wrought ironwork? What artists in iron have wrought over the centuries in ornaments and decorations is shown in this book through hundreds of captivating photographs. Thorough attention is paid to the restoration of wrought iron through discussions of techniques and various materials. The ironwork examples are organized according to the uses of ironwork, such as gratings that protect doors and windows, entries and gates from Europe in the Middle Ages, through the artistic creations of the 17th and 18th centuries up to works of our own day. Balconies and stairways, arbors, fencing, and church gratings provide exceptional opportunities for beautiful wrought iron artistry. Look and learn, and be inspired.

The world of vintage clothing is a fun, exciting, rewarding area of collecting. This is particularly true of the fashions of 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Unlike earlier eras, these creations can be worn and enjoyed everyday. And there is something for every taste...from the formal to the whimsical and from the chic tailored suits of the 1940s to the free-style fashions of the late-1960s.

This important references takes an in-depth journey through the phenomental ascent of costume jewelry through the 20th century. The costume jewelry designers are discussed individually and their work is displayed in hundreds of magnificent photographs of their masterpieces. Unsigned masterpieces are also included, proving that the makers of many top quality pieces are sometimes unknown. This volume continues the unfolding story of costume jewelry begun with Joanne Ball's very popular book Costume Jewelers, The Great Age of Design and both authors' The Art of Fashion Accessories.

Now the standard reference. More than 1200 illustrations, 282 in color, show the history of the Meissen porcelain manufactory in Germany and the products it produced. Years of meticulous research in the Meissen archives have culminated in this unexcelled reference book. Special attention is given to the 19th and 20th century products of the manufactory, which have been neglected in most books on Meissen.

The premier reference for twentieth century designs in copper jewelry, this beautiful book has been praised by collectors, appraisers, and art dealers alike. Over 300 color photos show hundreds of examples of the jewelry. Original art work, advertising, identifying marks and anecdotes round out this exhaustive study.

In 1934 Alcoa introduced a revolutionary new line of aluminum alloy giftware and domestic items designed by American pioneer industrial designer Lurelle Guild. Called Kensington Ware, these relatively expensive, slick, machine-age objects were in an unmistakenly Art Deco style with cast brass accents. They represent an important American contribution to modern design and decorative arts. The Kensington plant ceased production around 1970, and collectors have recently been scooping up these compelling objects in the antique and collectible markets. This is the first book to tell the Kensington story and identify, value, and illustrate the aluminum in 375 color, vintage, and black-and-white illustrations. It is a must for anyone interested in aluminum, Art Deco, and the machine-age in America.

In the latest volume of this popular series, discover the current and emerging trends in European fashion. Over 460 images and incisive text illustrate the work of students from premier schools, who present their best work, fashions that will inspire readers, firing their imaginations as they get a glimpse of what the future may bring. Prominent fashion design colleges and universities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, The Netherlands, and Sweden participated in this new book. Discover both the sources of inspiration for Europe's up-and-coming designers and the materials and techniques they have employed in the creation of modern womenswear and menswear. These inspirational sources are diverse and engaging, ranging from the duality of our own brains to Peruvian slum photography and everything in between. Anyone with a keen fashion sense and curiosity about what tomorrow will bring will value this book.

«The second volume of the Sinclair Collection brings into focus a new group of World War II Soviet uniforms. All uniforms are presented in full color including one of Stalins and includes very rare examples of branch marshals and other flag ranks. A new archive of period photographs makes this a «must have» for the World War II Soviet collector and historian. Along with the first volume, this is the most comprehensive compendium available of World War II parade uniforms of the Soviet Union.»