Customer Reviews

History of Japanese Art

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This volume is a good overview of the arts of Japan from a historical perspective. The perspective is decidedly Western, however, and tends to overstate the relevance of "fine arts" as opposed to the so-called "minor arts" and crafts. Thus, woodblock prints are given less space than their cultural impact would imply. More importantly, ceramics are accorded very little space - a major shortcoming to any art history of Japan.

Depending on what your intended usage for this book will be, this book may be somewhat helpful. I needed this for an art history class my senior year of college as an art history major. Thing is, the class was pretty ridiculous. It was supposed to be an introductory class into the art of japanese art & tradition, but the professor spoke more of Chinese art & traditions.

This book will give you a pretty thorough knowledge in Japanese Art, as well as some of its culture, more through the introductions of the eras and periods and through its pictures. But that's it, do not buy this if you're looking for a complete knowledge, because that's not what it is. Also, if you are looking for early (i.e. ancient!) japanese history, there really isn't any, in this book or just in general.

Definitely buy it here on Amazon, because I found it to be a lot cheaper in comparison to my friends who had spent a fortune on it through eBay and the university bookstores. You may also want to get a soft cover if you want to sell it back later on or use it solely for class, because it's such a heavy book (I have the hard cover). My intent was to keep the book, because it's such a nice book to have in anyone's collection.

If you do purchase it, you will not be let down. It's a great buy.

This order came very quickly and was in the exact quality the sender specified. Wonderful service, thanks!

It has excessive background info of everything you need to know (and some things you don't, actually a lot of stuff you don't really need to know). It's very thorough, Only issue my professor has it the naming is sometimes something to be argued but it depends on your Professor or if you're buying it for fun, it depends on your personal background. The pictures are of great quality and varied quantity, it really is worth it!

The art was beautiful, and I have no idea how accurate the information was, but it was interesting. It did seem kind of vague???

very good book decent photos, covered a good amount of information . Got for my history of japanese painting class helped out

Excellent - Just what I thought it would be.