ISBN-13
9784805313039
Publisher
Tuttle Publishing
Publication Date
25 March 2014
Age Range
NA - NA years
Dimensions
24.13 x 22.61 x 1.52 CM
Shipping Weight
0.54 Kg
Pages
144
Language
English
Grade Level
NA - NA
Beautifully crafted samurai swordsElegant wooden "tansu" chestsElaborate tea ceremony implementsExquisitely carved "netsuke" togglesFabulous silk-and-gold embroidered kimonosEach item is described in loving detail alongside lovely full-color photographs that highlight the great artistry and craftsmanship in everyday items used by real people in traditional Japan. "Things Japanese" is the perfect book for Japanese antique collectors or anyone interested in Japanese art and the culture and history of Japan.
Between 4−5 stars rating, 01 September 2014This is a very informative, not to mention attractive, book for those who'd like to achieve the same sort of deeper understanding of Japanese culture…
Between 4−5 stars rating, 01 September 2014A lot of the objects in the book are highly recognizable, some I see on a daily basis, others are more for historical value rather than daily use. Like most things Japanese they are exquisitely crafted with beauty in their diligent attention to detail and artistry. The book is beautifully presented and shows and describes each object in meticulous detail. Each item is illustrated in glorious full-colour photographs with detailed information, history and cultural context about the object.
Between 4−5 stars rating, 01 September 2014Who is this book for? If you are looking for an introduction on Japanese everyday items from the past or just have a vague curiosity on the things you see in anime or when you had that summer vacation in Japan, then this book will give you that and more. Knowing the context behind these daily items will give you a better appreciation on the purpose and the meaning of the item itself. We’re the generation that are so used to throwing things away that we have lost appreciation for everyday things, “Things Japanese” will transport you to a time where toys and chests lasts hundreds of years.
Between 4−5 stars rating, 01 September 2014Things Japanese is an incredibly well designed and written book, and is an absolute pleasure to dip into. It will become something of a permanent fixture on my coffee table, as well as being an invaluable resource for my blog posts about Japanese culture.
Between 3−4 stars rating, 01 September 2014Each object is illustrated with excellent photos, but the real value of the book is in the "significance" of the objects, not just its history and how they are made, but the part the objects play in Japanese culture. The author uses some of his own anecdotes but most of the material is drawn from historical sources, Edward Morse's 1886 "Japanese Homes and their Surroundings" seemingly being a favorite. Again and again I found myself learning something new, even after 14 years of living in and studying Japan. The book will be of use to anyone starting to learn about Japanese art and culture, the photos are good enough for it to work as a coffee table book, but it would be invaluable to anyone planning a trip to Japan and wanting to have a good grounding in the meanings of much of what you will see and experience.
