Japan: A History in Art

by Bradley Smith

A superb copy.

Genres: Art, Japan, History, Nonfiction, Reference, Art History, Japanese Literature

295 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Helsean K.]

I loved this book!
It’s an easy read, while showing general history of Japan through novel-like texts and through artworks.
I would recommend it.

[Abby Ang]

I'm giving this a middle-road rating because I'd have expected a book that has "art" in the title to focus more on artistic development as related to history than it actually did. It leans more towards a summary of history than any attempt to relate this to artistic achievements. The ending seems kind of cursory and abrupt, and there's no conclusion. Flipping to the back continually to see who the artist was, where the paintings are (which museums/collections they came from), where they came from (which region in Japan), what time they were done (what year?) was also annoying.

But what can you do in 300 pages? The pictures are in full color and it's a gorgeous book arranged by period. It's also straightforward and easy to understand. The pictures seemed to be carefully chosen, too, and representative of different styles and genres even if those styles aren't exactly elaborated on or explained adequately. It would make a good coffee table book.

[Sarah]

Really beautiful book that covers the history of Japan from the very fist art objects through about 1930. Always liked asian art, and the authors skill at linking it with the island's history made for a great experience. I may even remember some of the facts, since I had such gorgeous illustrations to hand them on.

[Ben]

Lovely Art Book

This book is filled with beautiful and breathtaking art.

Not only did I get to enjoy the progression of art in Japan, but I also really enjoyed learning the historical background of Japan.

A very good book for learning about the visual history of Japan.

Would very much recommend it!

3.8/5

[Commander Law]

History finished off before WW1 and galloped through the proceeding times. The art was secondary and not extensive, didn't explore difference periods, types, influences etc.

[James Varney]

Excellent and interesting, but readers should be clear about what this is - it’s a book about Japanese history and how art has tracked it, so to speak. It’s not a history of Japanese art. So, for example, there isn’t much about Japanese woodblock prints that I love.
There is also a fascinating and first class introduction by the then-current (maybe still?) director of the Tokyo National Museum. So, for Japan lovers it’s a great book. For purely Japanese art lovers, maybe not what you’d expect.

[Becca]

Very much a Western viewpoint of Japanese art. Left out many of the great masters and styles. Very sad.

[Rachel]

Learned a lot. Older book copyright is in the 70's. Still valid with the type of eras of Japanese art represented in the book.

[Curlysue]

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