Five Centuries of Indonesian Textiles

Published in an oversized format (9.5x12.25") and filled with full-page color plates of excellent quality, this catalog presents the Indonesian textiles in the collection of Mary Hunt Kahlenberg (formerly a curator at Los Angeles County Museum of Art). Grouped by island, the textiles are presented in lengthy, signed entries that detail their source and use, often including photos of the example being worn in an original setting, as well as details of the design. The catalog includes essays on the study, creation, symbolism, use, and importance of the textiles in Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku. In addition to Kahlenberg's introductory essay, Ruth Barnes (curator, Yale U. Art Gallery) offers two essays on the study of the textiles and the scientific methods used for dating. A glossary is provided. An outstanding example of fine bookbinding, with the volume presented in a heavy slipcase. DelMonico Books is an imprint of Prestel Publishing. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)