19世紀裝飾藝術の傑作

The approximately 2000 objects presented in this book form a selection of masterpieces of decorative art displayed in the great world exhibitions of London (1862) and Paris (1867). These exhibitions were typical for the time and displayed the very best creations of European craftsmen alongside colonial goods: Chinese ceramics, Japanese lacquer work, Indian textiles, Persian carpets, North-African metal carvings, etc. In terms of decorative styles the 19th century did not prove to be very innovative, yet it was eclectic to the extreme. Apart from incorporating Oriental influences into their works, artists and craftsmen also rejuvenated the great styles of the past and combined and blended them without hesitation.