In the Realm of Gods and Kings : Arts of India

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Summary: A catalogue of paintings, photographs, and works of art
Review: In The Realm Of Gods And Kings: Arts Of India is a catalogue of East Indian paintings, photographs, and works of art ranging from ivory combs to silver cream jugs. Spanning 1000 B.C. to the twentieth century, these treasures are beautifully presented in full-color photographs; many are from the Metropolitan Museum of New York and most have never been previously published. Accompanying each item is a sidebar describing composition materials, physical dimensions, and the like, as well as a brief description of how it was made and used, as well as insight on the earthly or spiritual meanings in its design. In The Realm Of Gods And Kings particularly focuses upon artworks connected to East Indian religion, with subsections devoted to artworks that portray Shiva, Vishnu, Rama, Krishna, and Goddesses, and also artworks connected to court life, including the hunt, courtly manuscripts, and royal portraits. In The Realm Of Gods And Kings is the next best thing to seeing timeless Indian treasures in person, and especially recommended for art shelves.