History of Design

A survey of spectacular breadth, covering the history of decorative arts and design worldwide over the past six hundred years

Spanning six centuries of global design, this far-reaching survey offers the first account of the vast history of decorative arts and design produced in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and the Islamic world, from 1400 to the present. Meticulously documented and lavishly illustrated, the volume covers interiors, furniture, textiles and dress, glass, graphics, metalwork, ceramics, exhibitions, product design, landscape and garden design, and theatre and film design.

Divided into four chronological sections, each subdivided geographically, the authors elucidate the evolution of style, form, materials, and techniques. They also address vital issues such as gender, race, patronage, cultural appropriation, continuity versus innovation, and high versus low culture.

Leading authorities in design history and decorative arts studies present hundreds of objects in their contemporary contexts, demonstrating the overwhelming extent to which the applied arts have enriched customs, ceremony, and daily life worldwide over the past six hundred years.

This ambitious, landmark publication in History of Design is essential reading. It contributes a definitive classic to existing scholarship on design, decorative arts, and material culture, while also introducing these subjects to new readers in a comprehensive, erudite book with widespread appeal.

Distributed for the Bard Graduate Center