Formes et matières, les arts traditionnels du Japon (book)

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Formes et matières, les arts traditionnels du Japon (book) by Michael Dunn. Publisher 5 continents. Presentation: Hardcover. 315 pages. 2004. Very good condition, like new, some marks on the dust jacket. French language.

This book takes us to discover traditional Japanese art, a unique art by its conception, and emphasizes the two factors which contributed to its evolution. The first is the richness of Japanese nature, which not only provided artisans with a wide variety of materials but also constituted, with the splendor of the alternation of the seasons, a perpetual source of artistic inspiration. The second is the influence of Zen, and this volume strives to understand how Zen ideals extended to all the arts, from architecture and garden design to ceramics and painting. particularly through the artistic explorations of the tea ceremony.

Through key words of the Japanese language, the author offers us an overview of the way in which the Japanese themselves perceive beauty. This book then describes and illustrates objects that reflect this creative talent, placing them in their historical and social context.

For this purpose, they have been grouped according to the materials from which they are mainly made, animal products, plant products or soil products in a word, everything that nature offers. Animal products include imported ivory, tortoiseshell, deer antler, leather and ray skin, but by far the most important is silk. this volume reproduces splendid Japanese clothing and explains the circumstances in which they were worn. Among the plant products, we find wood and bamboo, widely used, as the book shows, for construction, furnishing, making baskets and paper. But, here again, a prized material dominates, and that is lacquer: the illustrations show the unity of shapes and decorations that it inspired in traditional craftsmen. The earth provides clay for ceramics (an art which in Japan enjoys greater prestige than painting), as well as the metals which make it possible to create the legendary Japanese swords and their accessories.

The volume traces the history of ceramics from its origins to the 20th century and provides descriptions of most kiln groupings, whose production ranges from rustic traditional objects to the most sophisticated porcelains. He studies the sword and its role in samurai culture, the refined trimmings of the panoplies which reflected the power and prestige of the samurai when Japan was ruled by the shoguns. Finally, the comprehensive glossary makes it easier to read the Japanese terms used.

Feel free to check out the additional photos at the top left, thank you!
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