Au fil de l'or au fil de l'eau
Texts by Monique Crick and Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter
Following on from a first volume—Bijoux des toits du monde (2012)—which took us along the paths of the Silk Road, this book will follow the equivalent sea routes of this famous trail through the magic of archaeological and ethnic jewellery. To reveal the wealth and diversity of the different cultures, from the kingdoms of Arabia to Insulindia, gold, the symbol of eternity, has been chosen as the theme of this journey across the seas.
Approximately four hundred glittering and colourful jewels will lead the reader on the route to the forgotten empires of Burma, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, then on to Indonesia and the Philippines. These works of outstanding quality—fragile evidence of the extraordinary skills of the anonymous jewellers who immortalised their beliefs and dreams on tiny surfaces—illuminate the peoples, civilisations and cultures whose trace is being lost. Far from being mere baubles, these bejewelled headdresses, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and belts represent the important stages in human life; often jewels are also endowed with the protective virtues of a talisman.
Sumptuously illustrated, Bijoux d’Orients lointains takes the reader on an exotic cruise to discover the jewellery, archaeology and ethnology of Asia that ends in the enchanted islands of Java, Bali, Sumatra, Nias, Sulawesi, Sumba, Flores, Timor and the Moluccas.
Monique Crick is an art historian who specialises in the arts of the Far East. After being an independent researcher, then a project leader at the musée national des Arts asiatiques-Guimet and at the musée Cernuschi, in January 2003 she became director of the Baur Foundation, Museum of Far Eastern Art, in Geneva. She has written many articles and catalogues and has been the scientific organiser of several exhibitions.
Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter is a Hellenist and art historian by training. She grew up in Afghanistan and Pakistan. She is a specialist of tribal art and costume and has published many books on the subject. A journalist and art critic, she also contributes to various art reviews.
