Indian Art in Detail

The rich and diverse cultures of India are represented in exquisite detail in this book, which begins with a simple question: What is Indian art? The vocabulary of Indian art is syncretic and is shaped by a variety of religious influences. Persian, Turkish, Central Asian, Chinese, Japanese, as well as a host of European artistic traditions have also left their imprint on India. And the stunning topography of the subcontinent continues to shape the Indian artistic imagination. The book delves into such topics as religion and myth, epics, festivals, courtly and village life, and the natural world. The gorgeous close-ups of paintings, textiles, and sculptures illuminate the aesthetics and workmanship, as well as recurrent motifs that are distinctly Indian. The objects are all part of the extraordinary Indian Art collection in the British Museum. The beauty of the smallest details are contextualized through the accompanying essays written by an expert on Indian art and culture. Ideal as a souvenir or introduction to any museum or gallery visit, this book will also provide endless creative inspiration.