This book interrogates the definition and evolution of contemporary craft by examining a significant museum collection. Edited by curators from the Arizona State University Art Museum, known for its extensive craft holdings, this volume uses its international acquisitions in wood, ceramic, and fiber to explore craft as both a conceptual idea and a practical action. It traces the genesis of the ASU collection and situates it within the broader historical development of craft globally, considering anthropological and cultural perspectives.

The book is presented as a scholarly examination of contemporary craft, drawing on the significant holdings of the Arizona State University Art Museum. Its focus on defining craft within a critical context and tracing its historical and cultural development suggests a text aimed at academics, curators, and serious craft enthusiasts. The approach of using a specific museum collection to explore broader themes indicates a detailed and object-focused analysis.