Product Description

A guide to the contemporary craft centres of Japan, this comprehensive sourcebook catalogues an array of items found throughout the country and discusses their history, background and contemporary standing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1724850 in Books
• Published on: 1996-08-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 207 pages

From Library Journal
This specialized volume, produced by the Japan Craft Forum, is a compendium of 91 sites in Japan where handcrafted objects are still being produced in a traditional manner. The aims are to honor Japan's centuries-old craft practices, to promote their continuation, and to acquaint English-speaking readers with major craft centers and purchase sites. Ceramics, textiles, lacquer ware, bamboo, paper, woodcraft, and metalwork are all included, with a brief general introduction to each type of craft, followed by a one-page history and description of the work of each individual site. One color photograph of finished work from the site completes each entry. A map showing the location of the craft centers and a directory with names, addresses, and phone numbers of workshops and craft associations should be useful to travelers and potential craftwork collectors. The book can also be enjoyed by browsers for the beauty of its photographs and the diversity of work presented. For public libraries with larger craft collections, academic libraries with larger decorative arts collections, and all libraries with an interest in Japanese culture.?Kathryn Wekselman, Univ. of Cincinnati
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Excellent reference book, lots of great photos
This is an excellent reference book on over 90 different Japanese crafts from all areas. For each craft there is a history as well as the basics of how it is made. It is an encyclopedia rather than an instruction book.

Some types of crafts covered include ceramics, textiles, lacquer ware, bamboo craft, paper, woodcraft, metalwork, dolls, fans, lanterns, candles & items of calligraphy.

The photographs are numerous & all are in color. I loved looking at the textiles & kimonos. I also enjoyed the Kyoto ware, kutani ware, bamboo containers & decorative ink stones.

I found the extensive list of books to be invaluable in finding out how to make the crafts mentioned here. If you intend to visit Japan you will find the map of craft villages & list of craft museums, associations & centers very helpful.

Excellent source book for Japanese crafts
For afficionados of Japanese crafts, this book provides a fine selection of popular crafts from different regions of Japan. From washi to woodwork, the featured items are beautifully photographed are accompanied by useful general information. As a coffee table book, it is informative and replete with photographs. Perhaps the greatest criticism is that it is on the small side for a book of its kind. Nonetheless, the photos are quite beautiful and will be worth it especially for those who have lived in Japan or who have an interest in the array of crafts presently popular in Japan.