Bijoux d'Orients Lointains. Au Fil De l'Or, Au Fil De l'Eau

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.