Japanese art, like so many expressions of Japanese culture, is fascinatingly rich in its contrasts and paradoxes. Since the country opened its doors to the outside world in the mid-nineteenth century. Japanese art and culture have enjoyed an immense popularity in the West. When in 1993 renowned scholar Penelope Mason wrote the the first edition of History of Japanese Art, it was the first such volume in thirty yearsto chart a detailed overview of the subject. It remains the only comprehensive survey of its kind in English. This second edition ties together more closely the development of all the media within a well-articulated historical and social context. New to the Second Edition Extended coverage of Japanese art beyond 1945 New discoveries both in archeology and scholarship New material on calligraphy, ceramics, lacquerware, metalware, and textiles An extended glossary A comprehensively updated bibliography 94 new illustrations

Of all the sophisticated traditional arts and crafts of Japan, woodblock prints are probably the most widely known in the West. The bold yet refined compositions are as fresh to the Western eye today as they were when they first came to the attention of the Impressionists in the nineteenth century. With their fluid lines, intricate carving and delicate colors, Japanese prints are still as fascinating as ever. In this book, Rebecca Salter takes us through the history of the Japanese woodblock, discusses the materials, tools, and papers available (and their Western equivalents) and shows how to get the most out of them through interesting step-by-step projects. The work of an international group of artists shows the varied and exciting prints being produced today.

In this book the leading authority on Japanese art history sheds light on how Japan has nurtured distinctive aesthetics, prominent artists, and movements that have achieved global influence and popularity. The History of Art in Japan discusses works ranging from earthenware figurines in 13,000 BCE to manga, anime, and modern subcultures.

"Understanding Japanese Woodblock-Printed Illustrated Books offers a wider understanding and appreciation of the illustrated books produced in Japan between 1603 and 1912. It is a valuable tool for scholars of early modern Japanese art and literature and a broad range of other disciplines who wish to integrate the content of Japanese illustrated books into their teaching and research. As a handbook aimed at collectors, curators and librarians, it is also an essential resource to assist in evaluating, describing and conserving the books in their care. The background essays, a detailed glossary and case studies are equally of interest to students of the history and art of the book, publishing, printing and book illustration."--

This straightforwardly written and highly informative book is designed as an introductory history and guide to Japanese prints for the student and the beginning collector. Not limited to "ukiyo-e", it also discusses medieval Buddhist prints and the prints of the modern era, from the Mieiji period to the present. Thus such modern luminaries as Onchi, Hiratsuka, and Munakata are presented alongside the Edo master printmakers Harunobu, Kiyonaga, Utamaro, Sharaku, Hokusai, and Hiroshige. A major virtue of the book is the attention it gives to the aesthetics of the prints and to the lives of the printmakers themselves. Illustrated with 14 prints in full color and 86 in black and white, it also offers a thoroughly useful chapter on the collection and care of Japanse prints, a glossary, and a valuable selected bibliography. -- From publisher's description.