A Japanese Collection

This major book explores the astonishingly rich heritage of Japanese art, from prehistoric times until Japan opened its doors to the West at the commencement of the Meiji period (1868-1912). It reveals the astonishingly rich heritage of Japanese art held in Australia's major public and private collections. Serene Buddhist sculptures, spectacular painted screens, miniature netsuke talismans, colourful Ukiyo-e images of the 'floating world', costumes, masks, armour and flamboyant export art created for Australia's late nineteenth-century international exhibitions are all included in celebration of the profound lyricism and sophisticated eloquence of Japanese aesthetics. The book features essay contributions by twelve leading Japanese and non-Japanese scholars. This publication is certain to be a major step in promoting greater national and international awareness in appreciating the significance of Japanese collections held in Australia.

A complete catalogue of early books acquired by the diplomats W. G. Aston, Ernest Satow, and Heinrich von Siebold in Japan. The bulk of the 2,500 items are wood-block printed books of the Edo period. The editors' introduction is followed by entries giving title, author/editor/illustrator, date of publication and/or printing, all participating publishers, and the seals of previous owners.

In the winter of 1886-87, during his stay in Paris, Vincent van Gogh bought 660 Japanese prints at the art gallery of Siegfried Bing. His aim was to start dealing in them, but the exhibition he organized in the café-restaurant Le Tambourin was a total failure. However, he was now able to study his collection at ease and in close-up, and he gradually became captivated by their colourful, cheerful and unusual imagery. When he left for Arles, he took some prints with him, but the core remained in Paris with his brother Theo. Although some prints were later given away, the collection did not disperse. This book reveals new analyses of the collection, now held in the Van Gogh Museum, given as a long-term loan from the Vincent van Gogh Foundation. The authors delve into its history, and the role the prints played in Van Gogh's creative output. The book is illustrated with over 100 striking highlights from the collection.

Filled with over 100 vivid works of art and insightful essays, In the Moment is an extensive work, featuring several Japanese art forms and crafts. Inspired by an early love of Japanese aesthetics, tech entrepreneur and avid art collector Larry Ellison has assembled an impressive collection of Japanese art spanning some eleven hundred years of history. The current selection, which introduces the collection to the public for the first time, is organized into four areas: sculpture, painting, lacquer, and metalwork. Highlights include a remarkable wood figure of Shotoku Taishi at age two, dating to the late 1200s or early 1300s; painted screens showcasing the use of classical Japanese and Chinese themes by Kano school artists in the late 1500s and early 1600s; and whimsical paintings of animals by innovative masters active in Kyoto in the 1700s. The catalogue also features lacquers representing the Rinpa and Ritsuo traditions of craftsmanship and design; examples of the Japanese armor maker's art; and bronze vases and objects from the Meiji (1868–1912) and Taisho periods (1912–1926).

"Published in conjunction with the exhibition Polished to Perfection: Japanese Cloisonne from the Collection of Donald K. Gerber and Sueann E. Sherry at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, California (May 28, 2017-February 4, 2018). This exhibition was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art"--

Inspired by the seasonal festivals and traditions of Japan, this blend of traditional Scandinavian knitting with distinctive Japanese influences explores the beautiful design elements steeped in folk customs. Created especially for women, these patterns are true to the Japanese ideals of high-quality design and materials. Twelve sweaters, oriented around the months of the year, are each knitted using nearly a dozen different techniques. With project names like "Sake and Soba," "Summer in Tokyo," "Rice Fields," "Flower Buds," and "Stone Garden," knitters will have plenty of inspiration. In addition to standard knit and purl combinations, the patterns feature double knitting, domino knitting, shadow knitting, lace, cables, entrelac, intarsia, and stranded two-color knitting. All techniques are described in detail with clear text and illustrations, and an illustrated glossary at the end of the book provides technical instruction needed for any project. Also included are Japanese ideographs that relate to themes that inspired the projects, a Japanese calendar, plus lush travel photography of Japan that will inspire any knitter.