Overview

Malay Silver and Gold tells not only the story of Malay gold and silverware but also that of the Malay people, with particular emphasis on the banqueting items, the regalia, the betel sets, the jewellery and even the gold and silver mounted weapons of the 18th and 19th centuries. Through hundreds of photographs, many from private collections and never before published, and meticulous research across a multitude of sources. Michael Backman provides a definitive guide to Malay silver and gold and lays to rest many misconceptions. He identifies items not previously thought to be of Malay origin, and conversely points out those pieces once thought to be Malay which are not. Through his detailed analysis, Michael Backman shows that collectors, curators and colonialism have distorted our view of the Malays and their precious gold and silver treasures, and in so doing, reveals a rich and sophisticated legacy. AUTHOR: Michael Backman is an Australian born writer and art dealer who now resides in London. His gallery in Hanover Street is one of the world's premier sources for rare Asian, Islamic and Tribal antiques. He is a writer who specialises in Asian business, political and financial affairs. SELLING POINTS: . First book with colour images on highly collectable Malay silver . Hundreds of items photographed and catalogued, many from private collections never before published . One of the world's leading dealers in Malay silver 452 colour, 3 b/w illustrations

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9786164510777

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Reviews

"""Malay Silver and Gold is the first book on this topic to have been published in over a hundred years. Rightly, it restores the Malays to the very centre of the commercial history and material culture setting of their region whilst placing them in the broader context of the 'Islamic world'. With its hundreds of beautiful photographs and outstanding research, it is a magnificent and eye-opening contribution that tells not only the story of the silver and gold items fashioned by Malay artisans but the Malay peoples themselves.'"" - Seif El Rashidi, Islamic scholar, author & Director, Barakat Trust ""This groundbreaking new book is the first study of Malay silver and gold to take chronology and place production into serious consideration, leading to a much more nuanced understanding of developments across Southeast Asia. The exciting findings include the identification as Malay of certain exquisite gold filigree pieces held in August collections worldwide.'"" - Annabel Teh Gallop, Head, Southeast Asia Department, British Library ""At last, here is an excellent publication that does full justice to the scope and beauty of Malay silver and gold. Michael Backman describes and illustrates the full range of Malay silver and gold work with superlative photographs. A great contribution to a very important, but hitherto not well understood Southeast Asia craft!'"" - Sylvia Fraser-Lu, Author"

Author Information

Michael Backman is an art historian, economist & writer. He is the author of nine books that cover all aspects of Asia – from art and culture to politics & business, including the Malay Silver and Gold: Courtly Splendour from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei', a political biography of a Malaysian politician, and ‘Asian Eclipse’, named by The Economist as one of its books of the year, and which was nominated by the then Thai prime minister as a book that ‘all Thais should read’. He has had regular newspaper columns in Australia and Singapore, and is the founder of an eponymous Asian antiques gallery in central London which has sold to more than 40 museums worldwide. He has lived and worked in Australia, France, Indonesia and now lives permanently in London.

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