Ray Hemachandra

Form, function, beauty: vases are versatile and flexible and beloved by potters for the variety of techniques, ideas and aesthetics they embrace. "500 Vases" is a welcome addition to the popular "500" series and the tenth book devoted to ceramics. It showcases the finest contemporary work from international artists, capturing the full spectrum of styles, each potter's original voice and whenever possible, close-up details that truly capture the surface quality of the piece.

This is a follow up to "Masters: Art Quilts", the best-selling title in the "Masters" series. It features 12 pieces of work each from of 40 of the world's leading art quilters. The quilters hail from places such as Australia, France and Russia, as well as England. "Masters: Art Quilts" is the best-selling title in the "Masters" series. This follow-up volume extends the reach of this survey to another 40 of the world's leading art quilters. Each artist has about a dozen pieces sumptuously spread over 10 pages. The book encompasses the leading trends in art-quilt techniques, materials, styles and themes, including portraiture, nature, abstraction, realism and political commentary. It was curated by Martha Sielman, a fierce advocate for art quilting, executive director of Studio Art Quilt Associates and curator of the first volume. Sielman writes introductions to each chapter, commenting on the artist's work and inspirations. The book has a strong international flavour, with quilters hailing from places such as Australia, Canada, France, Israel, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Switzerland, to name a few.

A vibrant and growing community of crafters has embraced quilting and this outstanding international collection will inspire and captivate them. Juried by Karey Bresenhan, one of the most prominent figures in quilting, it presents 500 magnificent contemporary art quilts, made in fabric and other media, and showcasing diverse designs, materials and techniques. From their very inception, these quilts were destined for display rather than practical use, with an extraordinary quality of image, form, line and composition.

From a closed hutch and bedside table to cupboards, curios and a waterfall chest of drawers, these 500 outstanding contemporary cabinets showcase the art and craft of fine furniture making. These newly made works celebrate shape, joinery, detailing, colour, or the subtle combination of all those qualities. Above all, each piece testifies to the design and technical skills of its creator and has that most precious element of all: imagination. Artists include Michael Cullen, Reagan Furqueron, Michael Gloor and Jenna Goldberg, among others.