Japan has a long tradition of superb craft work in many media, including ceramics, textiles, laquerwork, metal, wood, glass, and bamboo. The worldwide appreciation and respect for Japanese crafts is embedded in Japanese social mores and culture. Crafting Beauty in Modern Japan presents some of the finest examples of art-craft created in Japan in the past fifty years, submitted to the Japan Art Craft Association annual exhibition, an open and competitive showcase inaugurated in 1954.

A number of the artists included are considered "Living National Treasures," holders of special craft skills recognized by the Japanese government. While much of their work is traditional in form and function, it also reflects the needs of contemporary society through the improvement of techniques and the use of new materials.

Fine porcelains with exquisite designs, fabulous kimonos, lacquer boxes with mother-of-pearl inlay, a hammered-silver vase, a box made from striped ebony wood, delicate dolls, and crystal glass are but a few of the exceptional pieces illustrated.

Published to accompany an exhibition at the British Museum, this sumptuous book will appeal to artists and collectors of Japanese art and craft as well as to students of art, design, and fashion.

About the Author

Nicole Rousmaniere is director of the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Culture, Norwich and London. She was co-curator of the Kazari exhibition at the Japan Society, New York, and the British Museum, London.

Reviews

"Rather than being just another attractive exhibition catalogue, Crafting Beauty combines gorgeous photographs with informative commentary by both Japanese and Western experts on the trajectory of art craft production in Japan. For this reason, Crafting Beauty makes for an interesting and aesthetically satisfying read and will constitute a welcome addition to any coffee table or bookshelf."

* Museum Anthropology Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780295987330
Author Nicole Rousmaniere
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint University of Washington Press
Publisher University of Washington Press
Weight(grams) 1021g