Ships of the Silk Road: The Bactrian Camel in Chinese Jade

by Angus Forsyth

For hundreds of years the Bactrian camel ploughed a lonely furrow across the vast wilderness of Asia. This bizarre-looking, temperamental yet hardy creature here came into its own as the core goods vehicle, resolutely and reliably transporting to China – over huge and unforgiving distances – fine things from the West while taking treasures out of the Middle Kingdom in return. Where the chariot, wagon and other wheeled conveyances proved useless amidst the shifting desert dunes, the surefooted progress of the camel – archetypal 'ship of the Silk Road' – now reigned supreme. The Bactrian camel was a subject that appealed particularly to Chinese artists because of its association with the exotic trade to mysterious Western lands. In his lavishly illustrated volume, Angus Forsyth explores diverse jade pieces depicting this iconic beast of burden. Almost one hundred separate objects are included, many of which have not been seen in print before. At the same time the author offers the full historical background to his subject. The book will have a strong appeal to collectors and art historians alike.

304 pages, Hardcover

Published March 26, 2019

Reviews

[Lillian Salem]

A fascinating look at an animal that played a much bigger role in history than I had ever realized. The Bactrian camel was not simply a means of transportation; it was essential to the movement of goods and culture across some of the harshest landscapes in Asia. The jade artwork makes the subject even more intriguing.

[Joshua Sam]

What I enjoyed most about this book was the connection between history, art, and trade. The story of the Silk Road becomes much more tangible when viewed through the Bactrian camel and the jade objects created in its image. A beautifully researched subject

[Evelyn Vanleuven]

I had never thought about the camel as an important symbol in Chinese art before reading about this collection. Forsyth provides fascinating historical context while exploring the jade pieces themselves. The combination makes this an especially interesting book for anyone interested in Asian art.

[Terry P.]

A detailed and unusual study of the Bactrian camel's place in Chinese jade art. The historical background helped me understand why these animals became such powerful artistic subjects. The number and variety of objects discussed are impressive

[Jonathan Reed]

This book opened up a part of Chinese art history that I knew very little about. I particularly enjoyed learning how the Bactrian camel became associated with distant Western lands and exotic trade. A rewarding read for collectors and art lovers

[Vivian Morales]

The idea of the camel as the "ship" of the Silk Road is wonderfully explored here. These animals crossed enormous distances and connected cultures that otherwise might have remained isolated. The jade carvings provide a beautiful artistic record of that history

[Ikimat]

A beautifully focused study of an unusual subject. The author successfully brings together Chinese jade, Silk Road history, trade, and the cultural importance of the Bactrian camel. It feels both scholarly and visually appealing.

[Romy Ederson]

The historical significance of the Bactrian camel is fascinating. Before this book, I mostly thought of the Silk Road in terms of merchants and precious goods. Here, the animal that actually carried so much of that trade becomes the central character

[Beatrice Flora]

I loved the connection between the physical challenges of the Silk Road and the artistic representations of the camel. The discussion of how these animals navigated deserts where wheeled transportation could not is particularly memorable.

[Mary kendra]

An excellent subject for anyone interested in ancient trade routes and Chinese art. The jade examples add a wonderful dimension to the historical narrative, making the book more than simply a study of transportation

[Power Helen]

This is the kind of historical book that makes you look at familiar subjects differently. The Bactrian camel suddenly becomes a symbol of endurance, trade, cultural exchange, and artistic inspiration. Very interesting and beautifully conceived

[john mattaz]

The sheer variety of jade objects discussed here is impressive. I especially appreciated the historical explanations behind the artwork rather than simply seeing the pieces as decorative objects. It gives them a much deeper meaning

[Info Magic]

For readers interested in Chinese jade, this is a fascinating resource. The historical background surrounding the objects makes the collection much easier to appreciate. I found myself thinking about how art can preserve stories of international trade

[Caroline Beline]

The Bactrian camel really was an extraordinary animal. This book explains why it was so well suited to the Silk Road and how its association with distant lands influenced Chinese artists. Fascinating from beginning to end

[Amanda]

I enjoyed the way the author connects geography, history, commerce, and art. The enormous distances involved in Silk Road travel become much easier to appreciate when you consider what these animals had to endure

[Amara Johnson]

A wonderful discovery for anyone fascinated by the Silk Road. The jade carvings are intriguing, but the historical story behind them is equally compelling. The book gives an unusual perspective on the relationship between China and the wider world

[william newlands]

This book demonstrates how one animal can reveal so much about human history. The camel's role in transporting goods across difficult terrain helped shape trade between distant civilizations. I found that perspective extremely interesting

[Betty Anita]

This book demonstrates how one animal can reveal so much about human history. The camel's role in transporting goods across difficult terrain helped shape trade between distant civilizations. I found that perspective extremely interesting.

[Calista Fiora]

A carefully focused exploration of Bactrian camels in Chinese jade. The historical context is particularly useful, and the discussion of previously unpublished objects makes the book feel like a valuable contribution to the subject

[Celina]

The phrase "ship of the Silk Road" makes perfect sense after reading this. The Bactrian camel was remarkably suited to an environment where traditional wheeled vehicles struggled. I enjoyed seeing that practical role reflected in Chinese art

[Christina L.]

An excellent book for readers who enjoy discovering overlooked pieces of history. I appreciated learning how trade with distant Western regions influenced Chinese artistic imagination and helped make the camel an important subject

[Contact. Manhattan]

What makes this book stand out is its combination of material culture and history. The jade objects are not treated in isolation; they are placed within the larger story of trade, travel, and cultural exchange along the Silk Road

[David Scott]

I went into this book knowing very little about Bactrian camels in Chinese art and came away with a completely different appreciation for them. The subject is specific, but the historical implications are surprisingly broad

[Emily Antoinette]

The book gives a fascinating glimpse into the connections between East and West. Through the humble camel and the exquisite jade objects inspired by it, we get a picture of how trade and cultural contact influenced Chinese art

[Evander Julian]

The Silk Road is often described through its famous goods, but this book reminds us to consider the animals and people who made that trade possible. The Bactrian camel's endurance is remarkable, and its artistic representation adds another layer to the story

[Grace emma]

A beautifully specialized book. The combination of nearly one hundred jade objects and the broader history of the Silk Road makes this much more interesting than I expected. Collectors and students of Asian art should find plenty to appreciate

[Ari]

This was an unexpectedly engaging read. I never considered how strongly the Silk Road might influence artistic representations of animals. The author's focus on jade gives the subject a tangible and beautiful dimension

[Margaretgold William]

A niche subject, but one that becomes surprisingly compelling. The Silk Road has been written about countless times, yet focusing on the Bactrian camel gives this history a fresh perspective.

[Edward Helen]

A thoughtful study with plenty of historical detail. I particularly liked the explanation of why the camel became associated with exotic Western lands in Chinese artistic traditions.

[Isabella Morgan]

I enjoyed the historical journey through the world of the Bactrian camel. The book shows how an animal associated with harsh deserts could become a subject of sophisticated Chinese jade carving