Written by David Billings and Beverly Hall Billings, this stunning book celebrates their vision and passion. Through meticulously researched, detailed descriptions and context of their collection it offers an extraordinary opportunity to expand our knowledge of these creations made over thousands of years ago throughout Asia. Although the collection concentrates on China, there are additional masterpieces from India, Burma, Cambodia, Tibet, Korea and Japan.
Now, more than ever, we need to understand the complex history and culture of China and other Asian countries which is thoroughly documented and illustrated through the works of art in Passion and Pursuit: The Billings Collection.
Beautifully produced with a French flap cover and over 700 color photographs, the book’s eight chapters are on—Ceramics; Bronze; Hardstone and Jade; Textile and Accessories; Scholar’s Objects, Opium, and Snuff bottles; Tibetan; Organic, Japanese, and Numismatic; and “Not the Last Chapter.” An extensive bibliography is included.
The Foreword by Steven J. Chait, President of Ralph M. Chait Galleries in NYC and an Introduction by Alice R. M. Hyland, PhD, retired university professor of Asian art history and exhibition curator, ensures this book will appeal to scholars and connoisseurs as well as be a valuable introduction for those interested to learn about a wide range of Asian art.