From Publishers Weekly
Overshadowed by shoguns and fierce samurai, the daimyo were feudal warlords who controlled Japan's provinces for much of the medieval and early modern epochs. Daimyo culture refined and reshaped samurai traditions; the warlords, whose collective self-image called for mastery of the arts of peace, took nature painting, calligraphy, handscrolls and the tea ceremony to new heights of expressive beauty. Daimyo warriors practiced Zen meditation and wrote poetry, following the example set by General Yoritomo (1147-1199), feudal lord of Kamakura, who later assumed the title of shogun. The cult of Bushido, the "way of the warrior," was led by daimyo chieftains steeled by Confucian precepts of dedicated service. This breathtaking album catalogues an exhibit now at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.the first U.S. show devoted to daimyo culture. Shimizu, a Princeton professor, provides extensive comments on the plates which depict armor, silk brocades, masks, religious sculpture, ceramics and props for the Noh theater.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
In feudal Japan the daimyo were a class of warrior rulers who administered territories awarded to them by the shoguns. They maintained fighting abilities while cultivating the peacetime arts such as poetry, No theater, painting, and the tea ceremony. They also patronized Buddhist monasteries and temples and commissioned the production of religious art. This volume is the catalog of a fine exhibition of works from the daimyo culture that opened in fall 1988 in Washington, D.C. Calligraphy, painting, sculpture, arms and armor, lacquer, ceramics and textiles--all are included. The introductory historical survey will be confusing to those with no previous knowledge of Japanese history, but the plates are excellent and the notes on the plates are straightforward and informative for both specialist and layperson.
- Kathryn W. Finkelstein, M.Ln., Cincinnati
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- Kathryn W. Finkelstein, M.Ln., Cincinnati
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
