On the Laws of Japanese Painting: An Introduction to the study of the Art of Japan

by Henry P. Bowie

Considered by many to be a seminal work about Japanese painting techniques, this book is a more than just the laws of Japanese painting; it also discusses calligraphy, ink, animal and vegetable sources for different colors, signature seals, and even how to properly view the artwork (from a distance of one tatami mat, and not from a standing position). This new Kindle edition has several changes to current versions that 65 Plates have been re-scanned from the original book at 300dpi Reformatted specifically with e-book reading features such as in-text link to relevant plates for review New section added with additional information on artists' featured in the book and other examples of their work Additional foot/end notes

Genres: Art, Reference, Nonfiction, Japan

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in 1911, it's a bit archaic though well illustrated for a book of this time. I feel there is better, more modern versions of this by Japanese authors. Of the top of my head, Shozo Sato books on painting cover these quite well.

Now available from Project Gutenberg so I don't need a paper copy.

[Morris Nelms · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information. Probably a bit dated. I think a paperback or hardback version with bigger and clearer illustrations would be a better choice for this book.
I think he sort of contradicts himself. In one place he says knowledge of kanji (Chinese characters written with a brush) is fundamental to Japanese painting. In another place he says it is a mistake so see Japanese art as based on Japanese calligraphy. I think what he means is that the calligraphy teaches you how to use the brush, but in painting you have more freedom. However, he doesn't make that clear.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it