Rock Crystal Treasures [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Sylvie Raulet (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1999

"Never before has there been a book dedicated to objets d'art made of rock crystal, a mineral that nonetheless has always fascinated humanity. Rock crystal, which was already being worked in the third millennium before Christ, came into its own as an artistic medium in Egypt, for a brief but prodigious period 1969-1171 during the Fatimid dynasty. It was here that carvers and engravers, inspired by earlier art in Egypt and Sassanid Persia, developed unparalleled technical skill. Then from the 14th through the 17th centuries, the crowned heads of Europe found themselves utterly captivated by rock crystal. Passion for rock crystal among the nobility and aristocracy gave rise to such famous workshops - both independent and court-sponsored - as those of the Saracchi and the Miseroni in Milan. Thereafter the material tell somewhat out of favor, thanks to its demystification by science and thus to the rise of imitations. That is until the late 19th century, when talented jewelers and artists celebrated its natural beauty as equal to that of precious stones."--BOOK JACKET. "This book traces the entrancing history of rock crystal, a narrative that runs right through the history of humanity itself. It brings to view numerous fine pieces from the beautiful collection of rock crystal assembled by Alain Boucheron."--BOOK JACKET.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Vendome Press (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0865652112
• ISBN-13: 978-0865652118
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 10 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,763,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent journey, November 21, 2009

By 

Nicholas Pearson (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rock Crystal Treasures (Hardcover)

This is a really spectacular book that provides rich illustrations of carved quartz works of art from all ages of mankind. The text offers insight into the fascination that quartz has held over humanity for millennia as well as its many cultural, spiritual, and religious roles in many eras and areas. Anyone interested in lapidary art would find this book a true gem among a collection of books, as well as those interested in cultural anthropology, archaeology, art, or the spiritual study of gemstones.

The objets d'art that are pictured range from Aztec ear studs to modern jewelry, crystal skulls to ornate crystal dragons. Many rich traditions of lapidary artwork are included, from Faberge to the people of Fatimid, and many others. Artifacts from the Greeks, Aztecs, ancient Egyptians, continental Europe, pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, the Orient, and many more are used to demonstrate the many uses that quartz crystal has served. a handful of illustrations of raw quartz, including crystals weighing more than 2000 kg, are also used for reference.

Overall, this is a wonderful book for anyone with an eye for aesthetics or an interest in all things crystalline.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, January 20, 2012

By 

Theseus "theseus" (US of A) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rock Crystal Treasures (Hardcover)

As other reviewers have notes, this book is a highly satisfying journey through the globe and through time of all things rock cystal.

Superb illustrations here, most of them full-page. The greatest compliment I can pay Raulet's work here is that the text illuminates the images and the images illuminate the text.

This a large format hardback: cloth over boards with a sewn binding; 238 pp; almost four pounds. In a heavy dustjacket. Bibliography. Indexed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Analysis of a Mineral and Topography of Its Deposits

Symbolic and Medicinal Properties in Society

From Rome to Fatimid Egypt: Cut Crystal as Art

The Western World: From Merovingian Times to the Renaissance

Curiosity Cabinets: Royal Collections at the Courts of Europe from 1400 to 1700

19th and 20th Centuries: The Rebirth of Rock Crystal

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated- a great design resource, September 11, 2007

By 

D. Baird "DGB" (Europe- The Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rock Crystal Treasures (Hardcover)

I have long held a fascination for decorative objects made of Rock crystal, but never found a book that focused so extensively on this often-overlooked material. "Rock Crystal Treasures from Antiquity to Today" is therefore a great find. While numerous titles are available that explore crystals from the mystical or scientific standpoint, "Rock Crystal Treasures" provides a wonderful overview of beautiful objects crafted from rock crystal. Jewelry, vases, religious objects, clocks, chandeliers and other decorative items are shown.

Lavishly illustrated with many large clear photos accompanied by insightful text, the book provides a wonderful resource for designers, jewelers or anyone with an interest in rock crystal quartz objects. It is inspirational to see so many items crafted from this translucent stone, worked and sculpted into pieces of such enduring beauty. I found the authors text to provide a great deal of useful details regarding both the historic and modern production of rock crystal. A beautiful book and a great addition to my design reference library.