One of Clunas' early works but an excellent introduction to the craft of carving in China. Addresses the question of how to organise such a topic--by design, by material, by period--and manages to cover from all angles using both colour and black & white photographs to accompany and illustrate the text (although most are from the V&A's Collection). Includes information on signed and unsigned works and highlights acknowledged masters in each area, when known. I used while researching literati taste through the ages and found it very useful. Clunas has really specialised in the visual and material cultures of China and his newer books incorporating 20 years in the field are all excellent resources. ( )