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The Art of Japanese Architecture
By examining the Japanese history of buildings and building designs from prehistory to modern day, lovers of Japan will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of this island country.
Simplicity, sensitivity to the natural environment, and the use of natural materials are the hallmarks of Japanese architecture. The Art of Japanese Architecture provides a broad overview of traditional Japanese design in its historical and cultural context. It begins with a discussion of prehistoric dwellings and concludes with a description of modern Japanese buildings. Critical historical influences and trends—notably the introduction of Buddhist culture from Korea and China, the development of feudalism, and the impact of modern Western styles of building—are all discussed in detail as facets of Japanese design.
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 tremendous insights into the dynamic nature of Japanese architecture and how it reflects an underlying diversity within Japanese culture.
The book is profusely illustrated with over 370 color photographs, woodblock prints, maps, diagrams, and specially commissioned watercolors. A classic in the making, The Art of Japanese Architecture will be sure to enlighten and delight readers.
Simplicity, sensitivity to the natural environment, and the use of natural materials are the hallmarks of Japanese architecture. The Art of Japanese Architecture provides a broad overview of traditional Japanese design in its historical and cultural context. It begins with a discussion of prehistoric dwellings and concludes with a description of modern Japanese buildings. Critical historical influences and trends—notably the introduction of Buddhist culture from Korea and China, the development of feudalism, and the impact of modern Western styles of building—are all discussed in detail as facets of Japanese design.
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 tremendous insights into the dynamic nature of Japanese architecture and how it reflects an underlying diversity within Japanese culture.
The book is profusely illustrated with over 370 color photographs, woodblock prints, maps, diagrams, and specially commissioned watercolors. A classic in the making, The Art of Japanese Architecture will be sure to enlighten and delight readers.
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 26, 2021
This is a lavishly illustrated hardcover volume from Tuttle Publishing on Japanese architecture starting with basic principles, then early influences from Korea and China, the Heian Period, the period of the rule of the Samurai, the Edo period, the Meiji period and finally a short section on modern architecture.
Each period is discussed and covered with aptly chosen stock photos and commissioned illustrations, including that of overhead views of the compound and area of, say, a temple complex.
Histories, being intertwined with the architecture at hand, are also discussed as are the building materials, the motivation and also the influences, all in all, an highly illuminative volume for the beginner. Recommended.
Each period is discussed and covered with aptly chosen stock photos and commissioned illustrations, including that of overhead views of the compound and area of, say, a temple complex.
Histories, being intertwined with the architecture at hand, are also discussed as are the building materials, the motivation and also the influences, all in all, an highly illuminative volume for the beginner. Recommended.
December 6, 2024
A lovely book on the subject, with scads of pretty photos, I have several books that are similar. It does have some good info about Ainu houses which I've seen before. If you don't have a book on Japanese historical architecture, this would be a good candidate to fill that gap.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews