The Art of Japan

This fascinating and colourful book provides a concise guide to the History of Art in Japan, from the earliest times to the present day. From the cave art of primitive man in Japan, we move to the flowering of art in Japan in UKIYO – E prints of international fame. Whereas the art of painting has been delt with in greater comprehensive details, progress on other arts has been briefly, but substantially, described through the ages. Commencing with the geographical and historical background, arts in far eastern country Japan, have been described, according to the ruling periods. In each ruling period (chapters III-XI), alongwith the progress in the art of painting, socio economic culture has been referred to. Chapters XII-XIII have been devoted to the technical aspects of the art of painting; the great masters through different periods, their techniques, important works, their organisation and different art schools. The art of Japan, though maintaining its individuality, influence from outside art was exherted on it; from Turkestan, India, China, Korea and vis-a vis the art of Japan greatly influenced the artists of Europe and America, has been shown in chapter XIV. TOKIYO-E prints being the most brilliant, impressive and renowned, technique of Japan, has been described in details, as a speciality in the appendix. The book will be useful to the students of art and of history; will be of interest to the artists, art educators, connoisseurs, art galleries, museums, historians and archaeologists.