From the moment of the very first contact in the sixteenth century, Japan has always possessed an irresistible fascination for the West. The fascination was if anything increased when Japan closed its borders in 1638, and for over 200 years the only contact was through a small colony of Dutch traders who were permitted to live on the tiny island of Deshima in Nagasaki Bay. After 1858, full trade was resumed, and a wave of 'Japanomania' swept across Europe and America. Lionel Lambourne tells this remarkable story in a fluent and engaging narrative that focuses on the human drama - often amusing but sometimes tragic - of the individual personalities involved in the two-way dialogue between cultures. After an Introduction telling the story of the first contacts, the long isolation and the events leading to the renewal of free trade in Japan, he turns to Europe and captures the excitement as artists - notably Whistler and the Impressionists - discovered Japanese prints and artefacts, and began to incorporate their influence in their own work. The story spreads far beyond fine art and follows the Japanese craze into the decorative arts, interior design, furnishings, fashion accessories and, importantly, literature and theatre. With his inimitable style and his rich store of well-chosen anecdotes, the author brings the personalities to life, and conveys a vivid impression of the enthusiasm that Japonisme generated. He also devotes chapters to travel, Japonisme in America, landscape and gardens, and the curious subject of spooks and ghosts. The visual impact of Japan on the West was enormous, and this is wonderfully conveyed in the rich and varied selection of illustrations - some 250 in all - which include many original Japanese prints and artefacts juxtaposed with the works that they directly inspired, as well as the whole range of the decorative arts, posters, advertisements, book illustrations, fashion, cartoons, photography, gardens and architecture. With its lively text full of human interest and closely supported by a wealth of beautiful illustrations, Japonisme will provide the perfect introduction to this popular subject for the widest possible audience, and will also be a valuable reference source for teachers and students.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
'Beautiful and revelatory...a celebration of the West's love affair with Japan and that country's reciprocal interest in the West...sumptuous illustrations.' (Metro, London) 'The perfect introduction to a fascinating and visually stimulating subject.' (Frank Whitford, Art Quarterly) 'A gorgeously illustrated account of an ongoing - and extraordinarily fruitful - affair between Japan and the West.' (V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum) magazine) 'A fluent and engaging narrative...With his inimitable style and his rich store of well-chosen anecdotes, the author brings the personalities to life, and conveys a vivid impression of the enthusiasm that Japonisme generated...With its lively text full of human interest and closely supported by a wealth of beautiful illustrations, Japonisme will provide the perfect introduction to this popular subject for the widest possible audience, and will also be a valuable reference source for teachers and students.' (The Good Read)
--This text refers to the
Paperback
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About the Author
Lionel Lambourne was head of paintings at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, from 1986 to 1993. He has travelled widely as curator of exhibitions in Britain, Germany and Japan, and has had a long-standing interest in the dialogue between Japan and the West. His books include The Aesthetic Movement (1996) and Victorian Painting (1999), both published by Phaidon. Author's residence: London, UK
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A look behind the sreen of Japan,
By Denise "dbcreates" (Salt Lake City Best Snow on Earth) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Japonisme: Cultural Crossings Between Japan and the West (Hardcover)
Wow! It took me six months to complete reading this book. Not because it is boring, but because there is so much information to just mentally digest! But what a fascinating journey. Our cultures are intrigued by each other and have affected each other for over 200 years. The book explores that intrigue, often fraught with misunderstandings, but infatuation is never far behind. Look at all the soldiers from WWII who came home with Japanese brides. Another interesting parallel is the nature of commerce between the East and the West. The Japanese and American businessmen have both much in common and widely different ways of commerce. The artistic fascination of both cultures for each other's is also covered and is enlightening to say the least. While post-war Japan sought the shiny cars, the Elvis hair and all that was coolly iconic American, we turned a wistful eye to the quickly disappearing 'old' Japan of pristine gardens, village basket makers, tea houses, the geisha life, the floating landscapes, calligraphy masters, a pond full of priceless koi simply valued for their serene beauty. Has it all been traded in for cars and high-rises? For cheap but fabulous electronics? For designer bags and pop music? Time will tell, but this wonderful book will give you true insight to the collective mind of both the East and West.
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