500 Bowls

The amazing beauty and variety in these 500 bowls is a testament to the imagination and inventiveness of today's ceramist. Every technique from across the globe is presented here.

Discussion of the issues surrounding the destruction of cultural property in times of conflict has become a key issue for debate around the world. This book provides an historical statement as of 1st March 2006 concerning the destruction of the cultural heritage in Iraq. In a series of chapters it outlines the personal stories of a number of individuals who were - and in most cases continue to be - involved. These individuals are involved at all levels, and come from various points along the political spectrum, giving a rounded and balanced perspective so easily lost in single authored reports. It also provides the first views written by Iraqis on the situation of archaeology in Iraq under Saddam and an overview and contextualisation of the issues surrounding the looting, theft and destruction of the archaeological sites, the Iraqi National museum and the libraries in Baghdad since the war was launched in 2003. Beyond this, it examines our attitudes towards the preservation of cultural and heritage resources and, in particular, the growing political awareness of their importance. Although related to a single conflict, taking place at a specific time in history, the relevance of this work goes far beyond these self-imposed boundaries. PETER STONE is Professor of Heritage Studies and Head of School of Arts and Cultures at Newcastle University; JOANNE FARCHAKH BAJJALY is a Lebanese archaeologist and Middle East correspondent for the French magazine Archéologia.

The bowl is one of the most traditional forms, but contemporary artists who work in wood understand that it has tremendous potential. These 500 exquisite examples, many by pioneering artisans, show just how much the bowl has been “reinvented” by craftpeople all over the world as both an iconic object and as a departure for self-expression. On display are a wide range of woodworking approaches, from chisel to chainsaw to router to bandsaw. Some have carvings on the suface; others feature paint and mixed media; while many more stay close to what nature provided, with the wood simply sanded and sealed. The talented creators include James Prestini, Bob Stocksdale, Rude Osolnik, Mel Lindquist, Ed Moulthrop, Mark Lindquist, David Ellsworth, and William Hunter.