MAY 2010

VOLUME 41 - NUMBER 4

Diverse applications of printmaking are explored in this issue, along with aspects of early culture in West Tibet and Xinjiang. 'The Printed Image in China from the 8th to the 21st Centuries' at the British Museum celebrates the institution's comprehensive collection amassed over two centuries (6 May-5 September 2010). Clarissa von Spee provides an overview of important historical developments. Ellen Johnston Laing introduces popular prints depicting Chinese deities. Niklas Leverenz analyses the print The Battle of Qurman and the painting on which it is based. Camille Schmitt describes the restoration and remounting of a recently identified fragment of the painting.

With the opening of 'Garo Manga: The First Decade, 1964-1973' at the Center for Book Arts, New York (14 April-26 June 2010), Ryan Holmberg guides us through the early years of Garo, a showcase for alternative manga art in Japan. Victor Mair discusses early Eastern Central Asian hats and garments in the exhibition 'Secrets of the Silk Road', which tours the US in 2010-11. Christiane Papa-Kalantari and Christian Jahoda examine a stone stele depicting the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in Cogro, Purang, West Tibet, and discuss its significance as archaeological evidence for the early spread of Buddhism in this area.

In our interview, tetsubin collector Peter Kramer discusses the fascination of this relatively little-known area of collecting. We also talk to Maximin Berko, Vice President of the Shanghai Fine Jewellery and Art Fair, about the rapidly evolving art market in China. Rachel Michael comments on the state of the arts in Hong Kong.

FEATURES
Victor H. Mair. Stylish Hats and Sumptuous Garments from Bronze Age and Iron Age Eastern Central Asia
Christiane Papa-Kalantari and Christian Jahoda. Early Buddhist Culture and Ideology in West Tibet: A New Perspective on a Stone Stele in Cogro, Purang
Ryan Holmberg. The Manga of Garo, 1964-1973
Camille Schmitt. The Battle of Qurman: Restoration and Remounting of a Qing Imperial Wall Painting
Niklas Leverenz. From Painting to Print: The Battle of Qurman from 1760
Ellen Johnston Laing. Chinese Popular Prints of Deities from the British Museum
Clarissa von Spee. 'The Printed Image in China from the 8th to the 21st Centuries': An Exhibition at the British Museum
PREVIEWS & REVIEWS
Fair Preview: Shanghai Fine Jewellery and Art Fair 2010
INTERVIEWS
The Enigmatic Art of Tetsubin - The Collection of Peter and Gerry Kramer
COMMENTARY
Rachel Michael. Commentary: Searching for an Urban Miracle?