Synopses & Reviews
Discovering the Arts of Japan is an image-driven history of Japanese art from the Jomon period (ca 10,500bc to 400bc) through the Meiji era (1868 to1912). Each chapter covers a chronological historical period, discussing art forms within the context of major historical events and the social and political background. In each period, art is examined under the subheadings of Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Calligraphy, Textiles, Lacquer Ware, Ceramics and Metal Ware. The book is amply illustrated with over two hundred black and white photographs from important museums, temples and rare private collections, with captions placed beside each photo for ease of reference. A map of Japan is provided, and a chronology and time line with other cultures will help readers compare periods and developments in other countries.
Discovering the Arts of Japan is a concise handy reference book for those interested in Japanese art but who are not specialists, and will appeal equally to art history students, tourists visiting Japan and the general public with an interest in art. Providing a comprehensive overview of the major trends in art throughout the history of Japan, this book will provide a valuable springboard to further in-depth study of specific periods and art forms.
Synopsis
This handy reference book is perfect for anyone interested in Japanese art, whether they be art history students and enthusiasts or tourists visiting Japan. A comprehensive overview of the major trends in art throughout the history of Japan, Discovering the Arts of Japan includes a select bibliography and list of major museums housing collections of Japanese art. Handsomely presented and easy-to-use, this book offers a valuable introduction to the subject, and encourages further in-depth study of specific periods and art forms.
Synopsis
Presented here are some of the worldandrsquo;s finest examples of Japanese art and design, from the Samurai and Edo periods up to high-tech contemporary design. The VandA has acquired Japanese objects since its earliest years and played a significant role in bringing the art of Japan to the attention of designers, manufacturers, and the public. This tradition continues today and this new book, fully updated and revised, showcases the VandAandrsquo;s unparalleled collection. Ten chapters focus on subjects such as religion and ritual; military and aristocratic culture; the samurai; the highly aestheticized tea ceremony; Ukiyo-e and the graphic arts of the Edo period; and exchanges with the West and imperialism, right up to contemporary crafts and design.
About the Author
Tsuneko S. Sadao studied art at the University of California at Berkeley. She has worked as an art consultant to Japanese museums and galleries for many years, and is presently consultant to the Isamu Noguchi Foundation, Inc., in the U.S. and Japan.
Stephanie Wada is Associate Curator of the prestigious Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation and the Mary Griggs Burke collection of Japanese Art in New York. She has taught Asian art at Columbia University and the City University of New York.
Table of Contents
Intro
History|Politics|Religion
Scrulpture|Crafts|Textiles
II.
Introduction of Buddhism
Asuka period
Important Events
History|Politics|Religion
Architecture
Sculpture
Painting|Calligraphy|Textiles
Ceramics|Metalwork
Hakuho|Nara
Important Events
History|Politics|Religion
Architecture
Sculpture
Painting|Calligraphy
Lacquer|Textiles
Ceramics|Metalwork
III.
The Zenith of Court Culture
Heian period
Important Events
History|Politics|Religion
Architecture
Sculpture
Painting|Calligraphy
Lacquer|Textiles
Ceramics|Metalwork
IV.
The Court and the Shogunate:
An Age of Transition
Kamakura|Nanbokucho period
Important Events
History|Politics|Religion
Architecture
Sculpture
Painting|Calligraphy
Lacquer
Ceramics|Metalwork
V.
Aesthetics of Warrior Rule
Muromachi period
Important Events
History|Politics|Religion
Architecture
Sculpture|Painting|Calligraphy
Lacquer
Textiles
Ceramics
Metalwork
VI.
The Gilded Road to Unification
Azuchi-Momoyama period
Important Events
History|Politics|Religion
Architecture
Sculpture|Painting|Calligraphy
Lacquer
Textiles
Ceramics
Metalwork
VII.
Tokugawa Control and the Rise of the Bourgeoisie
Edo period
Important Events
History|Politics|Religion
Architecture
Sculpture|Painting|Calligraphy
Lacquer
Textiles
Ceramics
Metalwork
VIII.
Eyes to the West:
The Meiji Restoration
Meiji period
Important Events
History|Politics|Religion
Architecture
Sculpture|Painting|Calligraphy
Lacquer
Textiles
Ceramics
Metalwork
Major Museum Collections of Japanese Art Outside of Japan
Acknowledgments
Photograph Credits
Selected Readings
Index