African Art: The Impossible Collection

African Art: The Impossible CollectionPart of Assoulines special series, The Ultimate Collection, which is an homage to the art of luxury bookmaking. Books in the collection are hand bound using traditional techniques, with color plates hand tipped on art quality paper; each page of this limited edition series bears the unique imprint of the artisan. Complimentary white gloves and signature canvas tote bag are included with each purchase from Assoulines Ultimate Collection. African Arts:

Part of Assouline’s special series, The Ultimate Collection, which is an homage to the art of luxury bookmaking. Books in the collection are hand-bound using traditional techniques, with color plates hand-tipped on art-quality paper; each page of this limited-edition series bears the unique imprint of the artisan. Complimentary white gloves and signature canvas tote bag are included with each purchase from Assouline’s Ultimate Collection.

African Arts: The Impossible Collection is a meticulously curated book showcasing masterpieces of African art from renowned private and public collections worldwide. This volume, featuring key pieces—like a sixteenth-century Nigerian queen mother ivory pendant and a commemorative figure from Cameroon-Grassfield—serves as a manifesto celebrating the boldness of African artists, known and unknown. Featuring a large selection of images from photographer Vincent Girier Dufournier, the book offers a striking visual narrative that complements its rich historical insights. Perfect for collectors, poets, writers, and art amateurs, it inspires admiration for the rich and diverse heritage of African arts.

Over twelve chapters that present Fang reliquaries, iconic masks, and terra-cotta pieces while also celebrating the hypnotic splendor of metal, the beauty in utility, and the notion of eternal femininity, author Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter dives in detail into the history of African arts, composing with her words and unique selection a true aesthetic manifesto. This edition is the first to gather the most important artworks from around the world, making it the ultimate compendium on African arts.

About the Brand

Assouline Publishing was founded as a family company in 1994 by Proper and Martine Assouline. It has published approximately 1500 titles on subjects ranging from architecture, art, design, fashion, lifestyle, and travel and has brought the illustrated book market to life with products that are modern, luxurious, and creative.

Created with the goal of becoming the first luxury brand on culture, Assouline aims to supply everything needed for a contemporary library. An active contributor to the growth of the illustrated market and its integration into the worlds of luxury, fashion, and design, Assouline provides the highest quality book-objects, sharing a distinctive graphic identity and editorial savoir-faire that have captured imaginations while addressing new themes in a contemporary manner. With its style and vision, the brand is a true pioneer.

Product Details

Released in December 2024

Author: Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter
Publisher: Assouline Publishing Corporation
Edition: English
Book Details: 232 pages, over 150 illustrations
Material: Hardcover in a luxury clamshell
Dimensions: (L 39 x W 30 x D 8) cm
Weight: 8.07 kg
Packaging: White gloves and a signature canvas tote bag are included