Japanese Accents in Western Interiors (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Jean Mahoney (Author), Toshiaki Sakuma (Photographer) "A wooden Kansai style hibachi and two ceramic ones assume modern roles in this demonstration of Susan Paul Geffen's masterful eclectism..." (more)
Key Phrases: step tansu, kimono stand, garden lanterns, Barbara Ruig, Joan Shepherd, Rochelle Narasin (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A beautiful book, excellently and lovingly made and appropriately priced. What a perfect gift for so many friends round the world, especially when there exists a deep and growing interest in the flavor of Japanese decor throughout the West... Certainly the decorating book you need to make Japan a part of your life in a way that is both a pleasure to view and a joy to live with. A thoroughly recommended addition to any Japanophile's bookshelf." -- Journal of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, March 1988

"Even if you're not an art lover, you will surely be fascinated by creative Westerners' ideas applied to Japan's treasures, often made out of bamboo, clay, paper and other humble indigenous materials...It not only serves as a guide for shopping but is also meant as an overview of Japanese culture." -- Japanese Economic Journal, October 29, 1988

"Japanese Accents in Western Interiors has been a surprise best seller for a book of its type both across the Pacific and in Japan. It has created a surge of interest among Japanese who are more used to thinking of their cultural heritage as simply old-fashioned, and who are startled to find foreigners more appreciative than themselves." -- Asia Magazine, Hong Kong

"One of the main benefits of the book, along with its excellent photography, is the way in which it demonstrates just how one can incorporate Japanese items into a Western homes without any major clash of culture or utility." -- Daily Yomiuri, June 5, 1988

"To me, the whole point of reading about design is to derive inspiration from new ideas, and if you share that perspective, I can heartily recommend a book that's filled with unusual but still practical solutions." -- The Palm Beach Post, April 8, 1990

"With sales in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, the book has proved to be one of the 73-year-old Tokyo publisher's most successful English language books to date." -- The Japan Times, May 28, 1989

Rao and Mahoney were surprised to discover that their book, first published in Japan and intended as a general background to help the many foreigners transferred to Japan...was a hit among the Japanese themselves. Although the book concentrates on Japanese artifacts, the ideas would apply to any ethnic designs." -- New York Daily News, October 13, 1988 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description

A treasure chest of ideas on how to use Japanese antiques in Western surroundings. The authors highlight 77 different kinds of antiques and folkcraft playing new aesthetic roles in 45 lovely Western-style homes. With 144 full-color photos, this landmark book, the first of its kind, is an essential introduction to the wide ranging field of Japanese artifacts. Also included is a list of craft and antique markets in Japan and sources for Japanese articles in the U.S. and Canada. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 167 pages
• Publisher: Shufunotomo Co (1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4079746822
• ISBN-13: 978-4079746823
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,080,857 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent book of ideas and resources, June 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Japanese Accents in Western Interiors (Paperback)

Book contains abundant pictures with full descriptions of items and history. Also contains excellent resource section for U.S. and Japan. Terrific book for anyone interested in Japanese style interior design

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great ideas for an asian inspired home, March 10, 2006

By	J Molineaux - See all my reviews

This review is from: Japanese Accents in Western Interiors (Paperback)

Nice ideas for using Japanese art and furniture.

4.0 out of 5 stars A stimulating cross cultural approach to interior design, January 29, 2009

By	Mr. A. Mellor (Tasmania, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Japanese Accents in Western Interiors (Paperback)

We have an interest in Japanese bric-a-brac, antiques and fabrics. This book has an interesting, stimulating and thoughtful approach to the display of Japanese items within a western home. Our eyes were opened to new ways of displaying traditional items within a modern western home.
A very worthwhile purchase for individuals interested in a cross-cultural approach to interior design.