Michael Backman: Art History & Material Culture

Narisa Chakrabongse is the product of an English mother and a Thai prince. She is the founder of the publishing house River Books, founder of the boutique hotel Chakrabongse Villas in Bangkok, and the author of many books. In this podcast recorded in Bangkok at Chakrabongse House, Michael Backman discusses with Narisa her dual life as both a typical central London resident, and a descendent of Siam's King Chulalongkorn, hotelier and publisher in Bangkok.www.michaelbackmanltd.com

Michael Backman and Paul Bromberg are both collectors of Asian art. One is based in London, the other in Bangkok. In this episode they discuss the thrill of collecting art objects. How does one choose what to buy when faced with many alternatives? How does one decide how much money to put into one's collection? Is it really an investment, or money thrown away?  These and other dilemmas typically faced by collectors are discussed in this episode.www.michaelbackmanltd.com

Paul Bromberg discusses with Michael Backman his new book Later Chinese Bronzes for the Scholar’s Studio. The book focuses on later bronze objects from the Song dynasty (960–1279) onwards, both utilitarian and for the scholar’s aesthetic pleasure, produced for the scholar’s studio.The book makes ample uses of examples from his own splendid collection, and considers separately the various forms, hidden meanings and cultural allusions of later bronze paperweights—small, elegant, charming and whimsical artworks that would have graced the scholar’s desk.Paul is based in Bangkok, and this episode was recorded in London.Copies of the book can be purchased from the publisher, Arts of Asia magazine, based in Hong Kong.

This is the final of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at the process of writing a book such as 'Malay Silver and Gold' and getting it published - dealing with photography, publishers, and book retailers.More broadly, this series looks at how Malay silver and gold items were made, what types of items were produced, the motifs used, who commissioned the silver and gold is all discussed, plus the various controversies about what is, and what is not, Malay silver and gold - what was made to fool collectors and museum curators, and then which items actually are of Malay origin but which hitherto have been mis-catalogued. All is discussed over eight episodes.The eight episodes are based on the book Malay Silver and Gold: Courtly Splendour from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei by Michael Backman and published by River Books - the first book to be published on the topic in more than 100 years, with 300 pages and almost 500 images of items most of which have never been published before. 'Malay Silver and Gold' by Michael Backman is available on Amazon and other book retailers, worldwide.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

This is the seventh of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at various objects made from silver and gold specifically used by the Malays - betel or sirih sets, banqueting items, rosewater sprinklers, bolster or pillow ends and the like.More broadly, this series looks at how Malay silver and gold items were made, what types of items were produced, the motifs used, who commissioned the silver and gold is all discussed, plus the various controversies about what is, and what is not, Malay silver and gold - what was made to fool collectors and museum curators, and then which items actually are of Malay origin but which hitherto have been mis-catalogued. All is discussed over eight episodes.The eight episodes are based on the book Malay Silver and Gold: Courtly Splendour from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei by Michael Backman and published by River Books - the first book to be published on the topic in more than 100 years, with 300 pages and almost 500 images of items most of which have never been published before. 'Malay Silver and Gold' by Michael Backman is available on Amazon and other book retailers, worldwide.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

This is the sixth of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at how the Malays mastered gold filigree work to the point that their work arguably is the finest gold filigree in the world. So splendid was it, that it was much in demand in 18th century London, though there was little recognition, then or now, that it was the Malays of Sumatra who were doing the work.More broadly, this series looks at how Malay silver and gold items were made, what types of items were produced, the motifs used, who commissioned the silver and gold is all discussed, plus the various controversies about what is, and what is not, Malay silver and gold - what was made to fool collectors and museum curators, and then which items actually are of Malay origin but which hitherto have been mis-catalogued. All is discussed over eight episodes.The eight episodes are based on the book Malay Silver and Gold: Courtly Splendour from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei by Michael Backman and published by River Books - the first book to be published on the topic in more than 100 years, with 300 pages and almost 500 images of items most of which have never been published before. 'Malay Silver and Gold' by Michael Backman is available on Amazon and other book retailers, worldwide.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

This is the fifth of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at the jewellery, and the objects made from silver and gold for traditional, elaborate and lengthy Malay wedding ceremonies.More broadly, this series looks at how Malay silver and gold items were made, what types of items were produced, the motifs used, who commissioned the silver and gold is all discussed, plus the various controversies about what is, and what is not, Malay silver and gold - what was made to fool collectors and museum curators, and then which items actually are of Malay origin but which hitherto have been mis-catalogued. All is discussed over eight episodes.The eight episodes are based on the book Malay Silver and Gold: Courtly Splendour from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei by Michael Backman and published by River Books - the first book to be published on the topic in more than 100 years, with 300 pages and almost 500 images of items most of which have never been published before. 'Malay Silver and Gold' by Michael Backman is available on Amazon and other book retailers, worldwide.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

This is the fourth of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at the Malay sultans and their regalia. More broadly, this series looks at how Malay silver and gold items were made, what types of items were produced, the motifs used, who commissioned the silver and gold is all discussed, plus the various controversies about what is, and what is not, Malay silver and gold - what was made to fool collectors and museum curators, and then which items actually are of Malay origin but which hitherto have been mis-catalogued. All is discussed over eight episodes.The eight episodes are based on the book Malay Silver and Gold: Courtly Splendour from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei by Michael Backman and published by River Books - the first book to be published on the topic in more than 100 years, with 300 pages and almost 500 images of items most of which have never been published before. 'Malay Silver and Gold' by Michael Backman is available on Amazon and other book retailers, worldwide.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

This is the third of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This episode looks at the techniques used by Malay silversmiths, and from where they drew inspiration for their motifs, including from the wider Islamic world.More broadly, this series looks at how Malay silver and gold items were made, what types of items were produced, the motifs used, who commissioned the silver and gold is all discussed, plus the various controversies about what is, and what is not, Malay silver and gold - what was made to fool collectors and museum curators, and then which items actually are of Malay origin but which hitherto have been mis-catalogued. All is discussed over eight episodes.The eight episodes are based on the book Malay Silver and Gold: Courtly Splendour from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei by Michael Backman and published by River Books - the first book to be published on the topic in more than 100 years, with 300 pages and almost 500 images of items most of which have never been published before. 'Malay Silver and Gold' by Michael Backman is available on Amazon and other book retailers, worldwide.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

This is the second of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. This particular episode looks at how late 19th century and early 20th century collecting influenced what types of Malay silver and gold was made and preserved, and how collecting gave rise to a large number of fakes, forgeries and fantasies that are still represented in museums today as 'Malay'. The Minangkabau people of Sumatra are also examined - their material culture is over-represented today in museum collections at the expense of that of the Malays even though the Malays were much more commercially dynamic and influential. The reasons for this are examined.More broadly, this series looks at how Malay silver and gold items were made, what types of items were produced, the motifs used, who commissioned the silver and gold is all discussed, plus the various controversies about what is, and what is not, Malay silver and gold - what was made to fool collectors and museum curators, and then which items actually are of Malay origin but which hitherto have been mis-catalogued. All is discussed over eight episodes.The eight episodes are based on the book Malay Silver and Gold: Courtly Splendour from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei by Michael Backman and published by River Books - the first book to be published on the topic in more than 100 years, with 300 pages and almost 500 images of items most of which have never been published before.Purchase 'Malay Silver and Gold'.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

This is the first of eight episodes in which Michael Backman tells the story of the Malay people - their history, their rulers, their culture & their traditions - through the beautiful items of gold and silver that were made for the Malay sultans and the Malay aristocrats. More broadly, this series looks at how Malay silver and gold items were made, what types of items were produced, the motifs used, who commissioned the silver and gold is all discussed, plus the various controversies about what is, and what is not, Malay silver and gold - what was made to fool collectors and museum curators, and then which items actually are of Malay origin but which hitherto have been mis-catalogued. All is discussed over eight episodes.The eight episodes are based on the book Malay Silver and Gold: Courtly Splendour from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei by Michael Backman and published by River Books - the first book to be published on the topic in more than 100 years, with 300 pages and almost 500 images of items most of which have never been published before. Purchase 'Malay Silver and Gold'.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

What is it like to be an 'independent' scholar & researcher? Three published art historians who are tell.Annemarie Jordan and Hugo Miguel Crespo in conversation with Michael Backman on what it is like to being published researchers and art historians but doing it outside the structure of a university, museum or other institutional organisation. Annemarie Jordan is the author of many books on European luxury goods in the Renaissance typically sourced from the 'East', Hugo Miguel Crespo has been published widely on Indo-Portuguese art and Michael Backman's most recent book is on the silver and gold of the Malay people.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Dr Sigrid van Roode discusses her research into the Zar spirit possession cult of Egypt - a relatively new cult that emerged at the end of 19th century and still has many practitioners. The cult gave rise to the need for a specific form of jewellery - a practice that has only recently died out.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Graham Honeybill has been a banker most of his adult life, rising to become CEO of a bank in the UAE. He has also been a collector for much of his life. Colonial Burmese silver has long been a passion. A book has just been published on his collection and he has lent several pieces to an exhibition on Burmese art at the British Museum. Surely the pinnacle of any collector's collecting career? In this episode, Michael Backman talks with Graham about his collecting, and his motivations.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Dr Annemarie Jordan is one of the world's most important, independent scholars on  luxury goods imported to Europe from Asia during the Renaissance. The trade in such goods is fascinating and much of it was destined for Europe's royal families who delighted in exotica from faraway lands for whom possession of such items was a mark of their power and prestige.In this podcast, Dr Jordan discusses what attracted her to this intriguing area of study, her discoveries, and her current research.www.michaelbackmanltd.com

Fiona Kerlogue, one of the world's leading authorities on Indonesian Batik, former senior curator at London's Horniman Museum and author discusses with Michael Backman her career, being a curator, and her latest book on a little-known Batik collection in Prague,  in the Czech Republic.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Thweep Rittinaphakorn's new book 'Unseen Burma'  presents a rare and stunning photographic record of Burma during the period 1862-1962. In this podcast with Michael Backman, he discusses his motivations for writing the book and his research methods, and discusses Burma's recent history, as well as touching on its current problems.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

In this Podcast, Michael Backman, writer and gallerist, asks why are we attracted to items that have antiquity? Do such items have a sacredness, or are we attempting to tap into some version of immortality. Is this why we pay more for items with good patina? He looks at the role of collecting and collectors in the preservation of the world's material culture.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Istanbul-based Oytun Evliyazade Camcigil, the author of the magnificent volume 'Eastern Treasures: Ottoman, Oman, Yemen, Turkmen Jewellery' discusses with Michael Backman the process of writing her book, collecting Middle Eastern jewellery and Istanbul's collecting scene. 'Eastern Treasures: Ottoman, Oman, Yemen, Turkmen Jewellery'  is available on Amazon.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Robyn Flemming discusses with Michael Backman her new book 'Skinful: A Memoir of Addiction' which details her battles with addictive behaviour including her problematic relationship with alcohol. Originally from Australia, Robyn also discusses her life as a modern-day international nomad, having no specific base in any particular country.'Skinful: A Memoir of Addiction' is available worldwide on Amazon.www.michaelbackmanltd.com

Michael Backman discusses Straits Chinese jewellery - the jewellery of the acculturated Chinese of Malaysia & Singapore - with world-renown jewellery designer, author & researcher Edmond Chin. Edmond, originally from Singapore is the author of the ground-breaking 'Gilding the Phoenix: The Straits Chinese and their Jewellery'.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Are collectors addicts by another name? What makes (some) people collect? Is it gross materialism or an attempt to save the world's patrimony? In this episode, Michael Backman and Paul Bromberg, both collectors and both authors of books on art and antiques discuss why they think they do what they do.Many of the quandaries -  choices in the face of constraints, endless problems of storage; and ultimately, what's it all for? - will be familiar to all collectors.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett compare and contrast two objects: a Tuareg pectoral ornament from northern Africa; and a Minangkabau cast brass cash box from Sumatra.What are the links between these seemingly unrelated objects? Listen to find out the surprising answer.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Traditional forms of currency used in Africa before the arrival of notes and coins took on extraordinary and large forms. Some were examples were as big as a person. Michael Backman and Sarah Corbett discuss how these currencies evolved, and their place in the canon of African art today.www.michaelbackmanltd.com

Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett compare and contrast two objects: an ancient limestone burial jar from the southern Philippines, and a set of Tibetan prayer beads.What are the links between these seemingly unrelated objects? Listen to find out the surprising answer.www.michaelbackmanltd.com

How does one stay curious as one grows older? Perhaps collecting is the key? Maybe collectors are at an advantage?Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett consider these questions.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Objects made of filigree are among the most extraordinary items ever to have been produced from gold and silver. Such items present one of the great mysteries of the art world. Where were they made? Who made them? How?Filigree, it turns out, is an art practiced by gold and silversmiths from Southeast Asia, to India, to Europe, Northern Africa and South America. And that makes filigree even more of a mystery, for it makes determining precise provenance even more difficult. It is perhaps for this reason that filigree items are among the most popular items we sell in the Gallery - it is an area where there is still more research to be done, and that, for many collectors and curators, is one of filigree's attractions.www.michaelbackmanltd.com

Sarah Corbett discussses with Michael Backman her favourite book: 'Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry' by Marjorie Ransom.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

In this episode, Michael Backman is in conversation with Sarah Corbett, about the book 'Court Arts of Indonesia' by Helen Ibbitson Jessup. Published in 1990, it was one of the first books on Asia art Michael bought and it has remained his favourite ever since, despite now having a library of over thousand books on Asian art, culture & history. Listen to this Podcast to find out why he likes this book so much.www.michaelbackmanltd.com

Michael Backman is the author of 8 books and numerous articles and columns. Another book is on the way! When not involved with his London Gallery, he has been spending this year researching and writing a new book on the silver and gold of the Malay world. In this podcast he talks with Sarah Corbett about the book and some of his initial findings. The book will be published in 2021. www.michaelbackmanltd.com

Our innovative monthly catalogues have become something of an institution among our followers and clients. The catalogues showcase our new items of material culture drawn from around the world, but all sourced from UK & European collections. The work that goes into each catalogue is enormous. Between 30 and 50 new items are features every month! And as soon as one catalogue is finished, it is time to begin the next one.In this Podcast, Michael Backman, in conversation with Sarah Corbett, discusses how the Catalogues are put together - the curating, the photography, the research and Internet logistics - as well as answering questions such as why prices are not included, why some items are reserved, and how is it that some items seem to be sold so quickly.Receive our monthly catalogues:https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/about-us/monthly-catalogue-sign-up/Visit our website:https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/

Narisa Chakrabongse grew up in England, but is a member of Thailand's extended royal family and a great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn. Today she is the founder and CEO of the successful art publishing house River Books, which has been at the forefront of publishing books on Asian art, history & culture for 30 years. In this second part of two Podcasts, Narisa discusses her professional life as a publisher, how she came to found River Books, and dealing with authors.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Narisa Chakrabongse is a member of Thailand's extended royal family and a great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn.  She grew up in England, the daughter of a Thai prince and an English mother. At 15, while still living in England, she found herself orphaned, in the middle of her school exams, and now the sole inheritor of a royal mansion in Bangkok, behind the Grand Palace, in need of upkeep. Today, she is the founder and owner of River Books, a successful publishing house that specialises in  books on Asia art & history, and the owner of an award-winning boutique hotel in Bangkok. Listen to the first of two candid Podcasts on Narisa's extraordinary life.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Nielloware is a traditional type of richly decorated silverware produced in southern Thailand. The craft is dying out but local businessman and art collector  Anupasana Suwanmongkol is leading attempts to try to save the craft before it is too late. In this episode, Michael Backman discusses these efforts with  Anupasana Suwanmongkol at his family's hotel in Pattani, in Thailand's south.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Dawn Rooney is one of the world's most accomplished researchers and authors in the field of early Southeast Asian ceramics particularly those from Thailand & Cambodia, as well as on ancient Khmer culture and architecture. An American based in Bangkok, Michael Backman talks with Dawn Rooney at her home in Bangkok about her career as a researcher and prolific author on Southeast Asian art.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Michael Backman and Sarah Corbett discuss the way for self publishers and publishers of niche books to ensure that their work reaches their target market. 

Michael Backman & Sarah Corbett discuss the ever important task of identifying fakes and forgeries in the art & antiques world.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Michael Backman in conversation with Sarah Corbett about the history of & market for Chinese export silver antiques. 

Michael Backman chats to actor and collector Julian Sands, star of A Room With a View, The Killing Fields, The Painted Bird & much more.For more visit: https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/

An interview with Michael Backman of Michael Backman Ltd. Exploring Michael’s career and love of decorative arts. Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

The use of betel nut around the world, and a look at the customs and accessories associated with its use around the world.

Michael Backman and Paul Bromberg discuss silver objects from the material culture of the Thai people.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.

Michael Backman speaks to Jolanda Bos about her new book, Paint It Black, a biography of kohl containers.

Michael Backman and Sarah Corbett discuss items from the material culture of the Berber people.Visit Michael Backman Ltd's gallery website.