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Kunst der Wereld
Art of the World: The Art of Japan
242 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1966
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 20, 2021
Peter c. Swann's "Art of the World" is an excellent introduction for any member of the general public who having visited a gallery of Japanese Art at a Museum had been unable to see any trend or direction to remarkably beautiful and elegant objects that he or she had seen. Being such a person, I cannot comment on the depth or rigour of Swann's analysis. I can only say that he provides a framework for the uninitiated.
Swann covers the period of Japanese Art from the beginning up until Japan's opening to the West in 1868 which he divides into nine periods:
1. Pre-Buddhist (Up until the 6th century)
This is the weakest section of the book as Swann provides a number of striking pictures of Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age objects without demonstrating any interest in then.)
2. Asuaka (538-645)
During this era Japanese artists travel to China where they learn to copy the style of Chinese Buddhists artists primarily sculptors. They acquire expertise but fail to aid any Japanese elements to their statues.
3. Nara (710-784)
The Japanese build Nara a Chinese style city. Buddhist statues continue to dominate.
4. Early Heian (794-786)
The Imperial family moves to Kyoto where a new Chinese style city is created. As the Tang dynasty of China declines, Japanese artists start to acquire their own personality. Buddhist statuary is still the primary art form.
5. Late Heian (895 to 1186)
Pure Land Buddhism arrives in Japan as Buddhism is persecuted in China. Japanese artists stop travelling to China. The Japanese develop their own school of painting (for which no Chinese equivalent exsits) in which they portray the Buddha in Nirvana.
6. Kamakura (1185-1394)
This is the last great age of sculpture. The genre of scroll painting emerges. Japanese art emancipates itself from Chinese Art.
7. Ashikaga (1338-1573)
Sculpture enters a period of decay. Zen Buddhism arrives but Buddhist themes disappear from Japanese art. Painting is now the dominant genre.
8. Momoyama (1568-1615)
Screen painting comes into prominence. Textiles and pottery become major forms.
9. Tokugawa (1615 - 1868)
The movements of the Momoyama reach their artistic peaks. Art is now for produced for the middle classes. Colour prints appear. For the first time Japanese art influences that of Western Europe.
Swann's book has the virtue of simplicity which is extremely important for any work intended for the broad public. The drawings, diagrams and illustrations are superb. He spends rather more space than necessary presenting the historical context and dynastic policies of each era.
This book is now almost 60 years old but has many pleasures for any reader who regularly visits museums with Chinese Art.
The work is however clearly dated. Swann constantly cites the works of British experts on Asian Art but never once mentions any Japanese scholar although a few Japanese works are listed in the bibliography.
Swann covers the period of Japanese Art from the beginning up until Japan's opening to the West in 1868 which he divides into nine periods:
1. Pre-Buddhist (Up until the 6th century)
This is the weakest section of the book as Swann provides a number of striking pictures of Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age objects without demonstrating any interest in then.)
2. Asuaka (538-645)
During this era Japanese artists travel to China where they learn to copy the style of Chinese Buddhists artists primarily sculptors. They acquire expertise but fail to aid any Japanese elements to their statues.
3. Nara (710-784)
The Japanese build Nara a Chinese style city. Buddhist statues continue to dominate.
4. Early Heian (794-786)
The Imperial family moves to Kyoto where a new Chinese style city is created. As the Tang dynasty of China declines, Japanese artists start to acquire their own personality. Buddhist statuary is still the primary art form.
5. Late Heian (895 to 1186)
Pure Land Buddhism arrives in Japan as Buddhism is persecuted in China. Japanese artists stop travelling to China. The Japanese develop their own school of painting (for which no Chinese equivalent exsits) in which they portray the Buddha in Nirvana.
6. Kamakura (1185-1394)
This is the last great age of sculpture. The genre of scroll painting emerges. Japanese art emancipates itself from Chinese Art.
7. Ashikaga (1338-1573)
Sculpture enters a period of decay. Zen Buddhism arrives but Buddhist themes disappear from Japanese art. Painting is now the dominant genre.
8. Momoyama (1568-1615)
Screen painting comes into prominence. Textiles and pottery become major forms.
9. Tokugawa (1615 - 1868)
The movements of the Momoyama reach their artistic peaks. Art is now for produced for the middle classes. Colour prints appear. For the first time Japanese art influences that of Western Europe.
Swann's book has the virtue of simplicity which is extremely important for any work intended for the broad public. The drawings, diagrams and illustrations are superb. He spends rather more space than necessary presenting the historical context and dynastic policies of each era.
This book is now almost 60 years old but has many pleasures for any reader who regularly visits museums with Chinese Art.
The work is however clearly dated. Swann constantly cites the works of British experts on Asian Art but never once mentions any Japanese scholar although a few Japanese works are listed in the bibliography.
February 28, 2023
Lovely
A stunningly informative book.
The author's comprehensive take on Japanese art is calming, yet intriguing. He provides a detailed history of Japanese art and its evolution over the years, with many awe-inspiring examples to supplement his analysis.
The book covers a wide variety of art forms, ranging from paintings and drawings to pottery and sculptures, which offers readers an incredibly well-rounded understanding of Japanese art.
Swann's appreciation for Japanese creativity and talent is infectious, and I found myself deeply engrossed in the text.
Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in art, history, or Japanese culture. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a deeper appreciation of Japan's art and its rich cultural heritage.
I really enjoyed the book, and it gave a great basis for visiting some of Japan's museums.
3.8/5
A stunningly informative book.
The author's comprehensive take on Japanese art is calming, yet intriguing. He provides a detailed history of Japanese art and its evolution over the years, with many awe-inspiring examples to supplement his analysis.
The book covers a wide variety of art forms, ranging from paintings and drawings to pottery and sculptures, which offers readers an incredibly well-rounded understanding of Japanese art.
Swann's appreciation for Japanese creativity and talent is infectious, and I found myself deeply engrossed in the text.
Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in art, history, or Japanese culture. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a deeper appreciation of Japan's art and its rich cultural heritage.
I really enjoyed the book, and it gave a great basis for visiting some of Japan's museums.
3.8/5
February 11, 2019
A decent survey book for its time, but the quantity and quality of illustrations are low compared to modern works on the subject.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews