The Japanese House: Architecture and Interiors

by Alexandra Black, Noboru Murata

The simple beauty of Japanese architecture and design has inspired many of the world's top architects and designers, such as Bruno Taut, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Terence Conran, to name just a few. The grace and elegance of the Japanese sensibility is reflected in both modern and traditional Japanese homes, from their fluid floor plans to their use of natural materials. In The Japanese House , renowned Japanese photographer Noboru Murata has captured this Eastern spirit with hundreds of vivid color photographs of 15 Japanese homes. As we step behind the lens with Murata, we're witness to the unique Japanese aesthetic, to the simple proportions modeled after the square of the tatami mat; to refined, rustic decor; to earthy materials like wood, paper, straw, ceramics, and textiles. This is a glorious house-tour readers can return to again and again, for ideas, inspiration, or simply admiration.

Genres: Japan, Architecture, Nonfiction, Art, Design, Japanese Literature, Reference

216 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more. There are a ton of nice photos: well composed, well lighted, good detail. I was left with a feeling of disappointment, however, as the text accompanying these photos is superficial and lacking in a progression of ideas. This book feels like a sampling of foods from a foreign cuisine where there is no explanation of what you are eating, what's in it, or a progression of dishes through the meal, it's just a collection of random dishes. Filling, but not satisfying, if that makes sense. I much preferred A Japanese Touch for your Home as an introduction to Japanese dècor.

[Elizabeth Gajdosik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Japanese homes are serious places of retreat. Reverence for shadows and the diffusion of light enhance mystery. Fluidity is achieved by paper walls, which open or close, that can serve to accommodate large spaces or provide a barrier of privacy. There is little decor and a great deal of space. Even the simple mattresses are stored during the day and then laid out, on the floor or tatami mats, in the evening. My favorite aspect of the Japanese home is how much they tie into their surroundings and, in some cases, almost remove the boundaries between inside and outside.

[Stela Idrizi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was quite a lovely book for it’s genre. I learned so much and really enjoyed reading it. It got me excited to learn more.

[Samuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasant book before sleep. Pretty nice photos. The description is sometimes too… lengthy, in an unnecessary somewhat boring way.

[Peter Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this while in Japan. A very helpful primer for Japanese architecture, with great pictures...

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A neat little coffee table book (little compared to the genre in general - it's a decent-sized book in itself) with beautiful pictures celebrating traditional and (a little bit of) contemporary Japanese architecture. The obvious focus is the pictures, but the short, accompanying texts work well and don't seem to have been added just as an afterthought (a not uncommon phenomenon with photo-books in my experience).

In short a great presentation of the surprisingly varied architectural traditions of Japan.

[Mauri · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, great pictures. The text could use some work - the introductory sections for each house were rather brief and the captions were occasionally inaccurate.

[Jalu Wardhana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like japanese style...

[Stephanie Denison · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely beautiful

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing imagery in this.

[Gierlang]

This book is a good inspiration for them who loves Japanese architecture. They provide good photographs of house. I'm a lover of Japanese Architecture and found this book interesting.

[Teri Temme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I picked this book up at the library today. Love the pictures and architectural detail.

[Beroha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un livre de décoration et de design soigneusement réalisé avec des exemples inédits de cohabitation entre l'ancien et le moderne.