Japan Style - Hardcover

Calza, Gian Carlo; Studioarte Srl (Gian Carlo Calza Co.)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0714846244 ISBN 13: 9780714846248

Publisher: Phaidon Press, 2007

Synopsis

This book offers a thorough examination of Japanese style. Through an in-depth study of Japanese art and culture, world-renowned scholar Gian Carlo Calza defines the very essence of that recognizable yet elusive quality that is Japanese style, equipping readers with the tools to fully understand and appreciate it. He draws connections between art, religion, history, philosophy and mythology, and examines specific examples of Japanese literature, art and architecture, from ancient times to the present. Beautifully illustrated with over 150 images, including paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs, this book is a perfect introduction to Japananese style and culture.

About this title

Review:

"Images are carefully chosen and beautifully juxtaposed."―IDFX

"This poetic book analyses complexities of Japanese style. Instead of straightforward case studies on well-known examples, it tackles underlying aspects of culture with references to Buddhism, mythology, Zen philosophy, architecture and the visual arts. Beautifully illustrated, and far more than just Ando, tea ceremonies and Noh theatre."―Building Design

Synopsis:

This book describes and defines what 'Japan style' is. It explores specific achievements in Japanese art and architecture, but also offers an in-depth analysis of the whole of Japanese culture, its vision of the world and of humankind. 'Japan style' is something recognizable to everyone: a beautifully arranged flower, an elegant piece of calligraphy or a simple rock garden, but it is also something that is very difficult to define. This book gives the reader the tools to fully understand Japanese art and culture. As Gian Carlo Calza says, the path to understanding and appreciating Japanese culture is slow and long, and in order to develop the right sensibility on the journey, it is imperative that the reader acquires the necessary means. With this in mind, the author reveals and shares his experience in and knowledge of Japanese culture, defining the essence of Japanese style. The book is divided into three main sections. In the first one ('Irregular Beauty'), the author delineates the different aspects of Japanese culture and draws interesting connections between art, architecture, religion, philosophy and mythology.

For example, he explains the aesthetics of the tea ceremony and its relationship to Zen philosophy as well as other subjects such as the function of the void in mythology, Buddhism and the arts. The second part of the book ('A Feeling of Nature') follows a chronological path from ancient times to the present explaining more specifically how to interpret the different forms of Japanese art (literature, painting, sculpture, etc.). The third part of the book ('Art Masters') contains short monographs on Japanese masters in the history of Japanese art and culture: Zeami Moto, the creator of No theatre; Hokusai, the master of woodblock printing; Yasunai Kawabata and Mishima Yukio, the writers; and the graphic designer, Tanaka Ikko. Calza's groundbreaking and insightful text is accompanied by 150 colour images of a great variety of examples from Japanese art and culture.

About this edition

• Publisher: Phaidon Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0714846244
• ISBN 13: 9780714846248
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 304
• Editor: Kempton Alexa