Whitehouse, director of the Corning Museum, has begun the task of cataloging its impressive collection of Islamic glass with this catalog, the first of a projected three. Beautifully presented
in an oversized volume (9.25x12"), the catalog covers early Islamic works from the 8th-11th centuries, presenting a color plate and descriptive entry for each of the 595 vessels or fragments.
The entries include dimensions, date, description and, in most cases, additional comments concerning provenance, comparable works, method of production, and a bibliography. Among the appendices
is an essay controversy over the origins of the Corning Hedwig beaker, and notes on other rock crystal works. Whitehouse also includes an essay on relief-cut glass with zoomorphic decoration.
The volume will be essential for students and scholars of the history of Islamic art. Distributed by Hudson Hills Press. Annotation 穢2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
