Art of Japan

The authors of this massive work take a unique approach to their huge subject. Rather than looking at Japanese art chronologically, they take individual media (ceramics, architecture) or ideas (literature into art, nature) and discuss Japanese artists' use and treatment of each. This nontraditional approach is quite thought-provoking and enables the reader better to understand Japanese art as a whole. The text could be more coordinated with the plates, but their sheer numbers (176 magnificent color, 361 clear black-and-white) provide a wealth of study material. There are also 222 views, plans, maps, and diagrams of 79 principal archaeological sites with extensive discussion of each. Other features are a chronology, biographical section, and an extensive bibliography. Altogether a major work and well worth acquisition despite the price. Patricia R. Hausman, Williamsburg Regional Lib., Va. - Library Journal - Library Journal