| |
The Art of the Japanese Garden
Photography by David and Michiko Young, Ben Simmons, Keystone
Illustrations by Tan Hong Yew
2006 American Horticultural Society Award Winner
A German version has been published by Eugen Ulmer KG under the title, Die Garten Japans: Tradition & Moderne, 2006
Jacket of The Art of the Japanese Garden: Japanese gardens are rooted in two traditions: an indigenous prehistoric tradition in which patches of graveled forest or pebbled beach were dedicated to nature spirts, and a tradition from China and Korea that included elements such as ponds, streams, waterfalls, rock compositions and a variety of vegetation. This book traces the development and blending of these two traditions as well as the inclusion of new features as gardening reached new heights of sophistication on Japanese soil. It presents a number of the most notable gardens in Japan, including graveled courtyards, early aristocratic gardens, esoteric and paradise gardens, Zen gardens, warrior gardens, tea gardens and stroll gardens. Also included are sections on modern trends and Japanese gardens in other countries.
The Art of Japanese Architecture
Photographs by David and Michiko Young, Ben Simmons, Keyphotos, Murata Noboru Illustrations by Tan Hong Yew 2007 The Art of Japanese Architecture is a revised edition of An Introduction to Japanese Architecture, published by Periplus Editions in 2004. A Japanese version of the earlier edition has been published by Tuttle Publishing under the title, Bijuaru Ban: Nihon no Tatemono Senshi Jidai Kara Gendai Made (Visual Edition: Japanese Architecture from Prehistoric to Modern Times), 2004.
Jacket of The Art of Japanese Architecture: Simplicity, asymmetry, sensitivity to the natural environment, and the use of natural materials are the hallmarks of much of Japanese architecture. This book provides an overview of Japanese architecture in its historical and cultural context. It begins with a discussion of prehistoric pit dwellings and concludes with a description of significant modern buildings. The intervening 12,000 years are analyzed in reference to major changes in architecture caused by the introduction of Buddhist culture from Korea and China, the consolidation of indigenous influences, the development of feudalism, the influence of Western culture, and the adaptation of the international style in contemporary buildings. Through all of these changes, a restrained architectural tradition developed in marked contrast to an exuberant tradition characterized by monumentality and the use of bold colors. The book provides insights into the dynamic nature of this contrast and how it reflects the underlying diversity of Japanese culture. The book is profusely illustrated with over 370 color photographs, woodblock prints, maps, diagrams, and specially commissioned watercolors.
|
