OCT 2014

VOLUME 45 - NUMBER 7

The central theme of this issue is that of cultural exchange during the Mongol empire. Yuka Kadoi describes how illustrations from Rashid al’Din’s 1314–15 World History, the subject of a special exhibition at Edinburgh University Library, reflect major events that took place across Asia during the Mongol reign. Lauren Arnold relates the circumstances—and potentially explosive consequences—surrounding the gift of a magnificent warhorse from Pope Benedict XII to the Yuan emperor Shundi, deepening our understanding of East–West diplomatic relations in this period. Juliane von Fircks explores the fascinating history of panni tartarici—exotic silks from China, Central Asia and Persia that reached Europe via the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and were used for luxury garments.

In other features, Julie Bellemare suggests that Buddhist sculptures produced in Gandhara in the 2nd to 3rd century can be seen as a response by the reigning Kushans to the socio-political circumstances of the region. She illustrates this idea through a discussion of depictions of Hariti, a north Indian yakshi later incorporated into the Buddhist pantheon.

A major exhibition of kimonos has recently opened at the Met. Selecting examples of the works on view, John Carpenter provides a historical overview of the kimono, and considers ways to think about textile arts as an integral part of the study of Japanese visual culture. Concluding the issue, Anita Christy pays tribute to Robert Ellsworth.

FEATURES
Yuka Kadoi. Exhibiting ‘World History’: The 700th Anniversary of Rashid al-Din’s Jami‘ al-Tawarikh
Lauren Arnold. The Heavenly Horse Is Come from West of the West: Two Paintings Illuminating the Role of Latin Christians at the Mongol Court
Juliane von Fircks. Panni Tartarici: Splendid Cloths from the Mongol Empire in European Contexts
Julie Bellemare. Hariti Domesticated: Re-evaluating Structures of Patronage in Gandharan Art
John Carpenter. Weaving Kimono Back into the Fabric of Japanese Art History
PREVIEWS & REVIEWS
Lydia Chan. Exhibition Review: Mountainscapes: New Ink Art by Wang Tiande
Roslyn Hammers. Book Review: Enchanted by Lohans: Osvald Sirén's Journey into Chinese Art
NEWS
Anita Christy. Robert Hatfield Ellsworth (An Siyuan) (1929–2014)