Painted Scrolls of Asia

by Shiv Kumar Sharma

The present work by Dr. Sharma deals with the 'Art of Scroll Painting in Asia', which is the most ancient form of painting still continuing in India and the neighbouring countries. The painted scroll served multifarious functions in society, viz., as picture-books for religious and epic stories, as a source of entertainment and also as mass media. The countries around India in an ever-enlarging concentric circle have been conveniently grouped by the author for a more scientific study of their inter-related styles and common themes. Scrolls from eminent Indian and foreign museums and collections have been profusely illustrated by the author. Colour reproductions of such specimens have purposefully been avoided to keep the price of the book less prohibitive. The book by Dr. Sharma will fill a long felt need for a comprehensive work on Scross painting of Asian countries traditionally linked with India.