Wall Paintings from Ancient Shrines in Central Asia, 2 Vols, (Vol. I: Text) (Vol. II: Illustrations)

Subtitle: "Collected by Aurel Stein and kept in the Delhi Archaeological Museum". The artist FH Andrews' appreciation of the beauty of form, and the significance of artistic style, was a perfect complement to Sir Aurel Stein's more scientific approach to his archaeological discoveries; on this basis, Andrews' friendship and cooperative partnership with the great explorer spanned some 50 years. In the present volume, first published in 1948 and long out of print, Andrews records and provides insightful analysis of the range of Buddhist wall paintings recovered by Stein at various sites, on the perimeter of the Taklamakan Desert (now in Xinjiang, China), which had served as waystations along the southern and nothern branches of the Silk Road. With his artist's eye, Andrews skilfully points out the stylistic variations and developments, as well as local and exotic influences, on the ancient painters' pious renditions of the life of the Buddha and other Buddhist saints. Published in two volumes: Text volume: xxxiv, 128 pp., 4 plans, 2 b&w photos, fold-out map. Folio plate volume: 12 colour and 20 duotone large fold-out plates. Both volumes are bound in handsome bonded leather; edition is limited to 999 sets only.