Customer Reviews

Art of Twentieth-Century Zen: Paintings and Calligraphy by Japanese Masters

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I have been waiting a long time for a book like this. My interest in Zen and its relation with art began many years ago, and since then I bought a lot of books about the theme. But this one is quite different. It has the depth that any serious investigator of japanese culture or zen art's lover is searching in a book. Two things happen to be the most fascinating to me: the quality of the illustrations (superb), and the feelings transmited by the author about this real masters (not only zen masters, but life masters as well). The work of Audrey Yoshiko Seo will be in a short time recognized as a book for reference for students of oriental art, and a book capable of bringing a touch of calm by contemplating the excellent plates showed. The text is profound and sensitive. The lives of this contemporary masters and the facts that made their inspiration flow, are descripted with clarity and passion. This book moves me at a point that makes me feel really close to the heart of these masters of life. I will be waiting for another work of the author. Congratulations.

An outstanding overview of Japanese art in the 20th Century, with an emphasis on Zen art and calligraphy, showing how they are inseparable. The introduction offers an excellent background, covering the introduction of Buddhism in Japan, the oppression during the Meiji period, and then the rise of both lay and monastic Zen. The sunsequent chapters deal with specific periods and the outstanding masters during each. The colorplates are wonderful... one is almost tempted to remove them to frame, but love for this outstanding book prevents such desecration. It was published in 2000 by Shambala for $29, and is worth every penny and more, but one can find excellent used copies for even less.