The Roots of Thai Art

Book excerpt: This book, the latest work from one of Thailand's leading art historians, Piriya Krairiksh represents the culmination of 30 years research by the author and is sure to be a definitive account of Thai Art History and a major art reference book. It covers 700 years of Thai art history, and looks at both Buddhist and Hindi art from the 5th to 13th centuries. This extensive study incorporates paintings, pottery and architecture, and looks at the mythology surrounding each. The author has been granted access to many private collections, including that of HM The King of Thailand's own collection, as well other private collectors and also many museums. Never before has such a vast collection of items, many never before catalogued in book form, been collected in one place and placed within a contextual overview of the development of Thai Art. Lavishly illustrated with 600 colour illustrations, this work will be a must for all collectors, academics and students of Thai Art, as well as general readers who have an interest in Southeast Asian art. Full Glossary and index are included. ILLUSTRATIONS: 600 colour