Tansu, the unique cabinetry of Japan, springs from a rich folk-art tradition. This book is lavishly illustrated with 27 full-color plates and over 260 monochrome photographs of spectacular chests and elegant details. It is divided into two parts, the first on history and the second on techniques. It also includes an invaluable guide to purchasing and conserving tansu.
the first truly definitive volume on tansu, this book provides a broad representation of cabinetry designs along with contextual history, gleaning insights from the cabinetry itself. The book chronicles not only the physical characteristics and details of tansu, but also the historical eras and societal factors that influenced the craft.
With its vivid descriptions of courtly society, gardens, and architecture in early eleventh-century Japan, The Tale of Genji—recognized as the world’s first novel—has captivated audiences around the globe and inspired artistic traditions for one thousand years. Its female author, Murasaki Shikibu, was a diarist, a renowned poet, and, as a tutor to the young empress, the ultimate palace insider; her monumental work of fiction offers entry into an elaborate, mysterious world of court romance, political intrigue, elite customs, and religious life. This handsomely designed and illustrated book explores the outstanding art associated with Genji through in-depth essays and discussions of more than one hundred works. The Tale of Genji has influenced all forms of Japanese artistic expression, from intimately scaled albums to boldly designed hanging scrolls and screen paintings, lacquer boxes, incense burners, games, palanquins for transporting young brides to their new homes, and even contemporary manga. The authors, both art historians and Genji scholars, discuss the tale’s transmission and reception over the centuries; illuminate its place within the history of Japanese literature and calligraphy; highlight its key episodes and characters; and explore its wide-ranging influence on Japanese culture, design, and aesthetics into the modern era. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana}
Barbara Jefferson, a young American teaching in Tokyo in the 1960s, is set on a life-changing quest when her Japanese surrogate mother, Michi, dies, leaving her a tansu of homemade plum wines wrapped in rice paper. Within the papers Barbara discovers writings in Japanese calligraphy that comprise a startling personal narrative. With the help of her translator, Seiji Okada, Barbara begins to unravel the mysteries of Michi's life, a story that begins in the early twentieth century and continues through World War II and its aftermath. As Barbara and Seiji translate the plum wine papers they form an intimate bond, with Michi a ghostly third in what becomes an increasingly uneasy triangle. Barbara is deeply affected by the revelation that Michi and Seiji are hibakusha, survivors of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, and even harder for her to understand are the devastating psychological effects wrought by war. Plum Wine examines human relationships, cultural differences, and the irreparable consequences of war in a story that is both original and timeless. 2007 A Notable Fiction Book of 2007, selected by the Kiriyama Prize Committee Winner, Fiction Award, Southern Independent Bookstore Alliance Notable Fiction, Kiriyama Pacific Rim Book Prize
Young Shirai wakes up in the world of Lu Cel with no idea who he is. Shirai has been changed into a half-man, half-dragon hybrid, and suffers from amnesia. He wanders the dark paths of a world he does not know, attempting to uncover his past and the reason for his new hybrid form. Shirai is befriended by three others, all seeking something, and the four of them set off to wander Lu Cel in search of Shirais past. Who is the young hero? And where did he get the magical sword in his possession? There are much grander questions in this new world, thoughquestions about a war that has ravaged Lu Cel for ages. Can the foursome find peace, and where does Shirais lost identity fit into it all? Can this lost dragon being become a victorious dragon manperhaps even a Chosen One in LuCel? Dragon Defender takes the reader to a world of good and evil, magic and mystery, where Shiraipart dragon, part manfinds himself the reluctant Chosen One. The friends he makes on his quest to save Lu Cel do not regret joining him. You wont either. Dianna Devlin, author of Moontide and Tender Triumph
By examining the Japanese history of buildings and building designs from prehistory to modern day, lovers of Japan will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of this island country. Simplicity, sensitivity to the natural environment, and the use of natural materials are the hallmarks of Japanese architecture. The Art of Japanese Architecture provides a broad overview of traditional Japanese architecture in its historical and cultural context. It begins with a discussion of prehistoric dwellings and concludes with a description of modern Japanese buildings. Important historical influences and trends--notably the introduction of Buddhist culture from Korea and China, the development of feudalism, and the influence of modern Western styles of building--are all discussed in detail as facets of Japanese design. Through all of these changes, a restrained architectural tradition developed in marked contrast to an exuberant tradition characterized by monumentality and the use of bold colors. The book provides tremendous insights into the dynamic nature of Japanese architecture and how it reflects an underlying diversity within Japanese culture. The book is profusely illustrated with over 370 color photographs, woodblock prints, maps, diagrams, and specially commissioned watercolors.
In a comprehensive listing of entries from "Aalto, Hugo Alvar Henrik" to "Zui Weng Yi," Boyce illuminates readers about furniture styles, construction details, terminology, furniture designers, and design movements throughout history and throughout the world. Styles covered include European-inspired classical, baroque, pop, rococo, and modernist. This extensive guide will be helpful for furniture enthusiasts, historians, and those interested in redecorating their homes.
