Description
Book SynopsisIn Israel East meets West. Their jewellery traditions blend, resulting in creative innovations. In the 1930s, European immigrants introduced the spirit of the Bauhaus, while oriental craftsmanship was invigorated in the 1950s and 1960s by immigration from Islamic countries. State jewellery companies preserved traditional crafts, while at the same time developing a new and elegant style, designed to express the national identity of the still young state of Israel. There are important links between native jewellery makers and European and American jewellery artists, who were guest lecturers at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in the 1970s and had a lasting influence on Israeli artists. The transition to art jewellery was finally completed in the 1980s, paving the way for artists who are now internationally renowned. A further chapter is dedicated to contemporary works by some outstanding young artists. Although their works are part of the global jewellery scene, they are also dedicated to their homeland, for example through unequivocal references to local political tensions.
Artists (a selection): Bianca Eshel Gershuni, Esther Knobel, Deganit Stern Schocken, Vered Kaminski, Attai Chen.
Trade ReviewFor Iris Fishof, a piece of jewelry is 'not merely an ornament' but it can be a reflection of societal history. Her extensive, beautifully illustrated history, Jewellery in Israel: Multicultural Diversity 1948 to the Present is the first book of its kind. -- Sandee Brawarsky, The Jewish Week The Jewish Week, April 1, 2014 This exceptional volume brings to international attention the astonishing diversity of talent, expertise, and creativity of Israeli artists working in the format of jewelry objects...The photography and art direction of this volume is of the highest order, appropriate for this sophisticated art book. Lilith Magazine, July 2014 Any book that documents the jewelry history of a people must be well illustrated in order to demonstrate the points the author is making. A difficult task, yet Jewellery in Israel is richly illustrated with black-and-white as well as color images-many of them full-page... All in all, this a recommended read for anyone interested in ethnic or contemporary art jewelry from Israel, a country whose impact on jewelry design is greater than its geographic size or age might suggest. -- Sharon Elaine Thompson Gemological Institute of America, October 15, 2014 Jewellery in Israel, augmented by an extensive bibliography, is a valuable tool with which to appraise this burgeoning field...Fishof has provided us with a useful and timely cultural interpretation of the field. -- Davira Taragin Metalsmith Magazine, November 2014
