How to Look At Japanese Art [Paperback]

Stephen Addiss (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0810926407 | ISBN-13: 978-0810926400 | Publication Date: March 30, 1996

An introduction to Japanese art which emphasizes various distinctive attributes as well as the cultural context. It discusses six major art forms: painting, sculpture, prints, ceramics, calligraphy and garden design. The latter has a role in the practice of Zen Buddhism.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This small volume, organized around six important categories of Japanese visual arts?ceramics, sculpture, painting, calligraphy, prints and gardens?has fashioned itself as an introduction to Japanese aesthetic sensibilities. Its format roughly follows the textbook norm, covering the time line from Jomon ceramics (1500 B.C.E.) to current artists, with examples from each category. Addiss directs the viewer in looking at each work, and poses unthreatening questions both within the text and as a "summary quiz" for each chapter. The text is high-school level or, perhaps, freshman-year humanities requirement for science majors. The descriptions of the works, and the rhetoric Addiss uses to engage "beginning viewers," presuppose a naivete that flirts with simplemindedness. The historical information is accurate and momentarily illuminating, but there is not much of it. In fact, the main purpose here is apparently to incite further exploration, but it does seem that a reader truly interested in Japanese art would just bypass it for a richer, more complete account.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This lovely introduction to the aesthetics of Japanese art illustrates such typical characteristics as concern with nature, transformation of foreign influences, asymmetrical use of space, and humor. Chapters on ceramics, sculpture, painting, calligraphy, prints, and gardens discuss a small number of well-chosen examples, including many by women. Each chapter concludes with a page of key questions to ask when looking at a particular type of art. Addiss (art, Univ. of Richmond; The Art of Zen, Abrams, 1989) speaks directly to readers unfamiliar with Japanese art, posing questions designed to promote engagement with the works presented. His encouraging and personal approach makes this book ideal for students and general readers. A good addition to public or academic collections containing monographs on Japanese art or artists.
Kathryn Wekselman, Univ. of Cincinnati, Ohio
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (March 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810926407
• ISBN-13: 978-0810926400
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #799,653 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephen Addiss is Tucker-Boatwright Professor of the Humanities and Professor of Art at the University of Richmond in Virginia, United States. He has exhibited his ink paintings and calligraphy in Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, England, France, Germany, and in many venues in the United States. He is also the author or co-author of more than 30 books and catalogues about East Asian art, including "Old Taoist," "Tao Te Ching." "The Art of Zen," "Tall Mountains and Flowing Waters," "Haiga: Haiku-Painting," "Zen Sourcebook," "and "How to Look at Japanese Art."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great book!, March 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Look At Japanese Art (Paperback)

This is a great book! It touches upon all the major categories of Japanese arts, such as ceramics, Buddhist sculpture, Zen painting, calligraphy, woodblock prints and gardens, in a simple and delightful way without missing essential points. Its excellent color plates and clever comparisons enable beginners to travel easily in this new and enchanting world of arts. I especially found the "key questions" for different types of arts at the end of each chapter useful for my continuous appreciation of Japanese art as well as the visual arts in general.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect introduction to the subject, March 24, 2008

By 

Andre O. Hurtgen "Language maven" (New Hampshire, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Look At Japanese Art (Paperback)

I was looking for a concise, simple and clear introduction to Japanese art for a course I am to give to a group of seniors (citizens, that is, not high schoolers!) and hit upon this title. After reading this small but well illustrated booklet I congratulated myself for having hit gold on my first try. This quite inexpensive volume covers just about all aspects of Japanese art, from the Jomon period to recent times, with well-chosen examples accompanied by enlightening commentary. Each chapter ends with a list of questions one should ask oneself when looking at art under consideration. A fine manual that will surely lead its readers to pursue their study of Japanese art.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to Look at Japanese Art, February 19, 2010

By 

Willow - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Look At Japanese Art (Paperback)

Item purchased as a gift for a nephew who loved it. I would highly recommend this book.