Featuring dozens of Japanese netsuke masterpieces and insightful commentary; this Japanese art book is a classic collectorrsquo;s item.Netsuke: A Guide for Collectors approaches the subject of Japanese nestuke from the point of view of the amateur collector rather than that of an owner discussing his own accomplished collection.Ever since Japans emergence a little over a century ago from her long period of seclusion under Tokugawa rule; netsuke have exerted an almost irresistible attraction for Western collectors. These tiny carvings-exquisite in detail; charming in conception; and delightful for the sheer tactual pleasure to be experienced in handling them-captivated admirers of Japanese art and craftsmanship. Basically; netsuke were utilitarian in purpose; for they were designed to serve as pendants or toggles to support medicine boxes; writing cases; smoking equipment; and similar articles worn suspended by a cord from the obi-a practical device since the kimono had no pockets. At first quite primitive in design; they soon became more and more sophisticated; and their carvers turned increasingly to the legendary of Japan and China for inspiration and subject matter.This fascinating book is a wonderful introduction to this classic Japanese art and will be invaluable for both professional collections and amateurs alike.
#739535 in eBooks 2012-04-17 2012-04-17File Name: B007VTYDY2
Review
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Ocular fixationBy todd ayoungWell written and thought provoking book with lots of insight into how our senses work to navigate our world and environment.The main theme of the book. is that our cultural fixation with our eyes. neglects the importance of the other human bodily sensors. such as touch. smell. hearing. to the detriment of our built environment. This detriment to our other senses. besides vision. is manifest. according to the author. in our thoughtless architectural surroundings. which is symtomatically displayed in societies obsession with the screen. our ultimate scopic fixation."The Eyes of the Skin" is not an original topic of contemporary concern. Ocular fixation has been investigated by many other writers including Hal Foster and Martin Jay for example. To Pallasmaas credit he does have extensive reseach included in the book by these various authors. What may be original about this book besides Pallasmaa being a practicing designer/architect. is that he has poetically penned his investigations to help his readers understand the interrelationship of the built environment to the human condition.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Michael V. JulienIf you really want to understand architectures exponential value to our world - please read this book!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Elaine BuckholtzOutstanding read!!!
