The arts of Japan: ancient and medieval, vol. 1

Kliatt, Nov, 2003 by Rhonda Cooper

NOMA, Seiroku. Trans. by John Rosenfield. The arts of Japan: ancient and medieval (volume I). Kodansha America. 305p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. c1966. 4-7700-2977-2. $35.00. SA

NOMA, Seiroku. Trans. by Glenn T. Webb. arts of Japan: late medieval to (volume II). Kodansha America. 326p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. c1966. 4-7700-2978-0. $35.00. SA

Lavishly illustrated with color and b/w photographs, these two volumes offer readers a comprehensive survey of Japanese art from prehistoric times through the mid-20th century. Written by a former curator of the Imperial Art Museum and the Tokyo National Museum, the two books have been ably translated for Western readers by distinguished scholars from Harvard and Pepperdine Universities. Despite the complexity of the subject matter and the broad scope of the chronology, the books are written in a straightforward manner which, although perhaps a bit dense at times, should nonetheless be accessible to older YA readers.

Each volume features ten essays that offer fascinating perspectives on various historical, political, sociological and spiritual aspects of the japanese arts, including painting, sculpture, architecture, ceramics, lacquer, textiles, theater masks, tea ceremony utensils, prints, and gardens. Sample essay titles include "From Village to Forest Life." "The Zen Temples of Kyoto," "Castle Architecture: Image of Authority," "The World of Tea Ceremony," and "Encounters with the Outside World." In addition to the in-depth essays and numerous illustrations--each accompanied by a highly informative caption--both volumes include an extensive glossary, notes, indexes, maps. chronologies, and bibliographies to aid the reader in understanding the complex cultural and political history of the Japanese people.

These comprehensive reference volumes will be of immense value to all students interested in Asian culture, history, religion, and fine art, Rhonda Cooper, Dir., Univ. Art Gallery, Stony Brook. NY