Twelve Centuries of Japanese Art from the Imperial Collections [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Ann Yonemura (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 17, 1998 | ISBN-10: 1560988932 | ISBN-13: 978-1560988939

Throughout its history, Japan's rulers have revered, treasured, sponsored, and even created beautiful works of calligraphy and painting. From the Heian period (794-1185) to the 20th century, the emperors of Japan and their courts have been arbiters of taste, patrons and protectors as well as participants in the arts. This volume showcases 76 stunning paintings and works of calligraphy dating from the 9th through 20th centuries, many for the first time to a Western audience. Replete with color reproductions, Twelve Centuries of Japanese Art from the Imperial Collections offers scholars, collectors, connoisseurs, historians, and all those interested in Japanese art an unprecedented view of Japanese aesthetic sensibility. The volume celebrates the consistent influence of imperial taste on the development of Japanese art.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The catalog of an exhibition held in the Sackler Gallery to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Freer Gallery, this work brings to light the most important selection of works from the Japanese imperial collections ever shown to the public. Drawn largely from the Museum of the Imperial Collections in Tokyo, they represent the best of the private collections of the Japanese emperors and were mainly assembled by the Meiji emperor (1852-1912). Seventy-six color plates highlight paintings as well as works of calligraphy, half of which were created by emperors themselves, including examples from the Heian (794-1185) and Kamakura (1185-1333) periods. The subject matter also includes portraits, court scenes, flowers, birds, animals, and children. The layout of the catalog is similar to Art Treasures from the Imperial Collections (1975. o.p.), with a page of description for each work. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries with an interest in Asian art.?Lucia S. Chen, NYPL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

There's much to admire in this beautifully produced volume--calligraphy, scrolls and screens--but the reproduction of Hokusai's lovely 1839 rendering, in colored ink, of "Drying Watermelon Rind" is reason enough to own the book, or give it to a friend. -- The Wall Street Journal, Francine Prose

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press (January 17, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560988932
• ISBN-13: 978-1560988939
• Product Dimensions: 13.4 x 9.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #648,946 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)