Rock Crystal Treasures [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by Sylvie Raulet (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
"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; illustrated edition edition (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 (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,700,484 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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)

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.