This work offers a clear and concise guide to understanding the fine and decorative arts of Asian art, including the arts of the Islamic world. The author addresses this complex subject in an easy to follow format beginning with an overview of the tumultuous history of the continent, leading into chapters on ceramics, metalwork, the arts of the craftsman, furniture and lacquer, textiles, prints and paintings. Each chapter includes a summary of the minor and major art forms with expert advice for judging quality and identifying fakes and over-restored objects. A valuable deictionary of terms and tables with reign dates and marks is included.