Chinese Export Art and Design

Chinese Export Art and Design by Craig Clunas, published by the Victoria & Albert Museum in January 1987, offers an insightful examination of the production of luxury goods for export from China to European and American markets. Spanning 128 pages, this book delves into the highly developed Chinese craft market that emerged following the arrival of the first Portuguese in 1514, providing a detailed overview of various art forms.

Readers will find individual chapters focusing on the production of silk, lacquer, furniture, carving, metalwork, wallpaper, and paintings, alongside three chapters dedicated to ceramics production. The book is richly illustrated with specially commissioned photography, enhancing the exploration of these art forms and their significance in the context of Chinese export art. This edition serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of art and commerce in historical contexts.