Treasures of Asian Art: The Asia Society's Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection

Lyrical Chinese landscapes, powerful stone sculptures of Hindu divinities from Indian temples, refined Korean ceramics, Japanese woodblock prints and porcelain and sophisticated Cambodian and Thai sculpture from the Khmer empire, which flourished between the 10th and 14th centuries, are among the treasures shown in this ravishing catalogue. The 285 objects John D. Rockefeller and his third wife, Blanchette, donated to the Asia Society in Manhattan include a high proportion of acclaimed masterpieces. Though not encyclopedic, this gem-like collection is elegantly presented with some 300 plates, most in color, and highly accessible essays by Leidy, a specialist in Chinese Buddhist art, and Lee, director emeritus at the Cleveland Museum of Art. With artworks stretching from Nepal to Java, this album comprises a useful informal survey of themes, artistic traditions and symbols in Asian art. (Dec.)