The ultimate reference book on the ethnic jewelry of Asian peoples. A comprehensive picture of jewelry beginning with prehistory and continuing into the twentieth-century with the works of contemporary designers. Ivory, beads, leather, shells, enamel work, precious metals, and stones, alone or in combination, are all illustrated throughout. Pieces chosen for their exceptional quality and historical importance come to life here. In addition to their aesthetic beauty, this book explains the historic significance of the jewelry, all anchored in the social, religious, and political contexts that lend it meaning. Accompanied by wonderfully composed photographs, the captions describe the provenance and use of each piece. A concise introductory essay makes this book accessible to the general reader and provides valuable background information for jewelers, designers, art historians, collectors, and dealers.