History of Japanese Art

Customer Reviews:

Useful for Art History Students.......2007-01-26

Depending on what your intended usage for this book will be, this book may be somewhat helpful. I needed this for an art history class my senior year of college as an art history major. Thing is, the class was pretty ridiculous. It was supposed to be an introductory class into the art of japanese art & tradition, but the professor spoke more of Chinese art & traditions.

This book will give you a pretty thorough knowledge in Japanese Art, as well as some of its culture, more through the introductions of the eras and periods and through its pictures. But that's it, do not buy this if you're looking for a complete knowledge, because that's not what it is. Also, if you are looking for early (i.e. ancient!) japanese history, there really isn't any, in this book or just in general.

Definitely buy it here on Amazon, because I found it to be a lot cheaper in comparison to my friends who had spent a fortune on it through eBay and the university bookstores. You may also want to get a soft cover if you want to sell it back later on or use it solely for class, because it's such a heavy book (I have the hard cover). My intent was to keep the book, because it's such a nice book to have in anyone's collection.

If you do purchase it, you will not be let down. It's a great buy.

good comprehensive book.helped in class.......2006-02-24

very good book decent photos, covered a good amount of information . Got for my history of japanese painting class helped out

History of Japanese Art (Trade) (2nd Edition).......2005-09-18

Excellent - Just what I thought it would be.

"The authority" on Japanese art in English.......2000-09-05

There are a number of books on Japanese art in English, but many spend a great deal of time on one particular period (usually the period the author prefers) and writes about the rest as though they were "add-ons". Mason's work is concise as well as informative about a broad range of topics, and will serve as a good stepping stone or introduction for those looking to get in to the world of Japanese art. The general volume dedicated to each time period shows a fair balance, and it is easy to see how earlier movements in art and design influenced later developments, from prehistoric times to the modern era.

If there are any problems to be sited with the text, it is that it is getting a little old. Since 1993 (the most recent edition) there have been many advances in art history in Japan (particularly regarding prehistoric art and society), and many of the newer focuses in the art history comunity (such as Edo period printed matter, particularly picture inserts) will not be reflected in the text.

Even so, this will serve as a good starting point for most, particularly those studying in a college setting. Those planning to specialize in East Asian or Japanese art should have a copy by their side, both for reference and for the many illustrations and photographs collected inside.

Japanese Cabinetry
Average customer rating:

Buy it for the pictures

A Real Eye Opener

Strong on Art , Light on Craft

A Tansu Tribute

The cover alone should be enough to interest you

Japanese Cabinetry
David Jackson , and Dane Owen
Manufacturer: Gibbs Smith, Publisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Furniture Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Furniture | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Furniture & Carpentry | Woodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Tansu: Traditional Japanese Cabinetry

Traditional Japanese Furniture

The Complete Japanese Joinery

Collecting Japanese Antiques

Making Japanese-Style Lamps and Lanterns

ASIN: 1586851136

Book Description

Originating from Japan's Edo period (1615-1867), tansu refers mostly to wooden cabinets, boxes and chests. The gifted creators of this art were deservedly esteemed by Japanese society, leaving a rich and influential legacy. Their work was almost anonymous, though, and the history has remained in the shadows-until now. Japanese Cabinetry: The Art and Craft of Tansu is the first truly definitive volume on tansu, giving voice to the long-overlooked craftsmen and overdue respect for the craft itself. This book provides a broad representation of cabinetry designs along with contextual history, gleaning insights from the cabinetry itself. From trunks with wheels to shipboard safes, from kitchen cupboards to clothing chests, tansu were the receptacles of an age of economic expansion. Japanese Cabinetry chronicles not only the physical characteristics and details of tansu, but also the historical eras and societal factors that influenced the craft. David Jackson has been buying, collecting, and conserving tansu since 1990. He lives in Sante Fe. Dane Owen founded Shibui, a gallery of Japanese antique furnishings. Mr. Owen is a frequent visitor to Japan, searching for objects for his customers and his private collections. He lives in Sante Fe.

Customer Reviews:

Buy it for the pictures.......2007-03-22

This is one of the very few books with an extensive collection of tansu photos. The cabinets are well categorized by their functions. Also very nice are the enlarged photos of tansu hardwares. I find the text to be somewhat poorly written and organized, and the authors' knowledge on tansu joinery/construction lacking. The hand-colored Japanese vintage photographs are also a little distracting. If you're looking for some nice tansu pictures though, this book will probably serve well.

A Real Eye Opener.......2005-11-08

I have only been selling Japanese Antiques for a short time and I found this book is fantastic to show potential tansu customers. It has also helped us (Japanache dot com dot au) with selection when on buying trips to Japan and restoration once back in Australia.
Thanks David & Dane

Strong on Art , Light on Craft.......2005-07-07

I am biased; I am a woodworker. This is actually a terrific book offering a huge collection of beautiful photos, and an extensive commentary about the role of Tansu in Japanese lifestyle and culture. However the craft of making Tansu was not well represented. From the title I would have expected more on tools, techniques and joinery.

A Tansu Tribute.......2004-08-17

If you are fascinated by the creation of handmade Japanese cabinetry, this is one of the few books you can find on the subject because for some reason, the cabinetry of Japan is one of the least recorded aspects of Japan's woodworking history. Throughout this guide, you will find lush photographs of opaque and transparent lacquered chests, their hand-forged iron handles and the tools of the trade. I especially enjoyed the hand-colored photos of family life, rice fields and the textile sellers. Not only do you get to glimpse this magical world of Zen temples and street merchants selling sweet rice drinks, you will be able to view page after page of stunning merchant chests, bedding chests, clothing chests and mizuya-dansu (kitchen cupboards).

I've always been intrigued by chests filled with magical little drawers in which anything could be stored. This book has made me aware of the wide variety of chests that can be purchased and most of the pages are filled with pictures and descriptions so you can know what to look for online. Before finding this particular book, I was at a loss for what to look for. Now I have the names of items like the sea chest (funa-dansu) and realize the difference in the woods used. I think the cho-dansu made of keyaki with the distinctive iron fittings on page 111 is just stunning. The cho-bako funa-dansu (ship chest) is also very interesting as it features tortoise, a symbol of prosperity and longevity.

The detailed descriptions of the lockplates are presented with photographs. If you are a student of this craft (or looking for pictures of things like a cherry blossom motif), the pages on the components of a tansu will encourage you to explore all the essential details in your own selections. They also explain how all the L braces and iron-edge strapping are not only decorative, but highly functional.

As a person who has refinished a desk upon which I am typing, my appreciation for furniture went through an entire renewal process while reading "Japanese Cabinetry."

Contents:

The Realm of Tansu: An Introduction
Tansu and Allied Trades
The Craft of Tansu
Tansu for Mercantile Use
Tansu for Household Use
Tansu for Personal Use
Living with Tansu
Collecting and Restoring Tansu

Not only does this book present early mercantile tansu designs, there are pictures of contemporary desks and even a section about books, magazines and catalogues for further research. The index, glossary of terms and chronological list of exhibitions make this book very easy to read and understand. There are also ideas for how to set up your tansu collection in your bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms and kitchen. You might even want to put a kitchen chest (mizuya) in your living room. This book also features entry tables, entertainment centers, coffee tables and bookcases and so much more.

Back to dreaming of owning the cho-dansu from the late Edo period (1615-1868). Not only can you view items from this period, you can read about the history and lifestyle of the people living in this era. This book would make a perfect gift for anyone who has lived in Japan or is interested in Japanese history. It would also be an amazing gift for anyone interested in Japanese movies. I have often wondered about various items and this book has provided more information than I could have ever dreamed about finding.

A note about the authors: David Jackson has been collecting tansu since 1990 and has studied sculpture and woodworking. He developed his passion for Japanese woodwork and then was involved with one of the first exhibitions of tansu in the United States. Dane Owen founded a gallery of Japanese antique furnishings and is also a frequent visitor to Japan. He can be found searching for objects for his customers and his own private collections. Together they have written the ultimate book on the Japanese craft of tansu. If you love tansu, your heart is going to beat a little faster while reading Japanese Cabinetry. I am beyond appreciative of David and Dane's knowledge of this subject. If you own one book on tansu, this would be an excellent choice.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

The cover alone should be enough to interest you.......2003-02-17

Not even sure where to begin other than to say that as mentioned above, the cover alone should be plenty to strike your interest. As a true lover and collector of Japanese art, this book goes above and beyond to show just exactly why it could be labeled as a "coffee table book". It has been on mine for weeks now. It is such a great sourcebook for Japanese cabinetry/tansu and goes even further to show pieces actually used for daily use in people's homes. The size of the book and the photography are SO worth the price. It truly is a fabulous book. I strongly recommend it. Whether you are an obsessed collector of Japanese art or not, it is definitely a great book to have in your collection.

Average customer rating:

Informative, specific, but ultimately not what I was looking for
Good book to get good ideas
A Keeper
Great illustrations and detailing
Useful, Beautiful and Interesting

Creating Your Own Japanese Garden
Takashi Sawano
Manufacturer: Japan Publications Trading
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Garden Design | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Japanese Gardens | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

A Japanese Touch for Your Garden
Ortho's All About Creating Japanese Gardens (Ortho's All About Gardening)
Japanese Gardens in a Weekend: Projects for One, Two or Three Weekends (In a Weekend)
Japanese Gardening in Small Spaces
Art of the Japanese Garden

ASIN: 087040962X

Book Description

The strong horizontals of bamboo reflected in a dark circle of water; the rhythmic clap of the deer scarer; the contemplative beauty of waves created in sand: combinations of nature and art that soothe and uplift the spirit. Your vision of a Japanese garden need not be confined to Japan. Here
is a fully comprehensive guiide which will enable you to capture in your home or office environment the elusive spirit of the Japanese garden-no matter where you live.

The author, a Japanese landscape architect who has been living and designing Japanese gardens in the West for many years, will show you step by-step how to accomplish this ideal utilizing your own special environment and using materials which are readily available in the West. Since moving to the UK
in 1974, the author has designed and created many Japanese gardens, from small private gardens to large public spaces of over two acres. It is from this direct experience that he draws the material for this book. The step-by-step instructions are easy-to-follow, and also included are many drawings
and photographs to illustrate the points that are made.

"Many books on Japanese gardens can be found in bookstores and libraries, but most do not take into account the different environments found outside Japan nor the diverse materials available worldwide. They tend either to be translations of books written by Japanese landscape architects and
gardeners living and working in Japan, or books written by those who visit Japan to research the gardens, with the intention of introducing them to the rest of the world... These books are ideal for learning about the history and appearance of Japanese gardens, but lack the practical advice
necessary for constructing your own garden.. .I believe that as the interest in and understanding of Japanese culture continues to spread, so will the popularity of and desire for Japanese gardens. I hope that this book will give pleasure to all those of you who, like me, are captivated by the
gardens of Japan, and that it will help you to create a garden of your own that you can enjoy day after day."

Customer Reviews:

Informative, specific, but ultimately not what I was looking for.......2007-09-17

I think this a good book for someone ready to start digging now to create their Japanese garden, someone who knows exactly what they want to do. The beginning of the book was interesting, and provided good information about and reasons for the different elements of a Japanese garden - such as water, stone lanterns, bridges, and plantings.
I was hoping for a little more inspiration through photographs and seeing more examples of gardens people have created. This book gets down to the step-by-step details of building fences and dry riverbeds for example.
The book does have a nice materials/plant/planting guide in the back which I took a few notes from. But I'm in a brainstorming phase with my garden not the brass tacks phase, so I did return the book and will look into a book that is more photography-based and example-based, than how-to.

Good book to get good ideas.......2007-08-16

After reading this book most of the way through, I thought it provided a lot of good information. My intention was not necessarily to design a true Japanese garden but wanted to create a garden and atmosphere that reflects the feeling and general appearance of a Japanese garden while still maintaining my herb and vegetable garden. The book gave a lot of pictures that were helpful to create that atmosphere in an American environment. Most if not all of the design elements were explained as to why and how they help to create the desired effect. Additionally there was a full chapter that described the history behind Japanese gardens, and I found that very helpful. Since reading that chapter I have picked up and English translation of the books described in that chapter. I felt this book was really helpful and plan to use it to landscape my backyard.

One thing to keep in mind, is this is not a step by step how to book. It is designed mostly to give you an overview and an understanding of what elements to use, and how to use them.

A Keeper.......2007-04-27

Have many books on Japanese gardening - this is the one that finally helped me begin to answer the "but how will I design and situate one in my space?" question. Nicely written, direct, and just enough examples to help you get moving!

Great illustrations and detailing.......2007-01-11

My daughter was recently proposed marriage to in a japanese garden. They are planning to build a similar garden in their backyard,so this book
was a Christmas present.
She was thrilled and we went thru the book as she mentioned several
items in the book that were relevant.
It has alot of very nice illustrations and "how-tos",more than some that I looked at.This author was careful to include all aspects of the japanese garden. Plenty of detail.Very happy with my purchase.

Useful, Beautiful and Interesting.......2007-01-10

This book provides useful guidance in planning a Japanese Garden with well written text and beautiful photographs. It inspires one to find a way to incorporate the concepts into Western style homes.

The Japanese House: Architecture and Interiors

Average customer rating:

Low-budget color print
Pretty pictures, but...
beautiful photos
Terrific
Excelente fuente para ideas y conceptos

The Japanese House: Architecture and Interiors
Alexandra Black
Manufacturer: Periplus Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Design & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Decoration & Ornament | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Building the Japanese House Today
Japan Style: Architecture+Interiors+Design
The Japanese Bath
Japanese Detail: Architecture
A Japanese Touch for Your Home

ASIN: 0804832625

Book Description

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.

Customer Reviews:

Low-budget color print.......2007-03-14

Don't expect much content in textual form. The book is a photo book, and there are many excellent pictures of japanese houses and interiors in terms of themes and photographical skill.

What is totaly contradictory to this, is the poor low-budget color printing chosen by Tuttle publishers. The pictures are devaluated by a easily seen coarse printing sreen.

Pretty pictures, but..........2007-01-20

Take the text with a huge grain of salt. It says nothing original about the Japanese aesthetic (terms like "elegant", "minimal" and "harmony with nature" abound); it contradicts itself on a few key points (is the half-height tea-house door for guests, or the host?); and in one caption it identifies a Go board as a "game of mah-jong". Oops.

beautiful photos.......2007-01-09

I bought the book for inspiration in designing my retirement home. It is that. Lovely pictures and ideas for anyone interested in Japanese design.

Terrific.......2007-01-04

The photography is beautiful. This book shows the best of ancient and modern Japanese design concepts.

Excelente fuente para ideas y conceptos.......2007-01-04

Compre este libro para conocer mas de la cultura japonesa en el recinto mas sagrado para una persona, su hogar. La cultura japonesa es sumamente rica tanto en belleza como en practicidad y este libro me ha servido para idear refugios dentro de mi casa y asi evitar la rutina diaria y todo lo "fast" que la vida occidental tiene. Recomiendo mucho este libro para aquellas personas que quieran hacer de su casa un lugar equilibrado, que esten planeando alguna reconstruccion o hacer una casa nueva.

Circles of The East : Quilt Designs from Ancient Japanese Family Crests

Average customer rating:

Perfection!
Circles Of The East
Wonderful!
This book wakes up the artist within.
The most beautiful & inspiring quilt book I have ever seen.

Circles of The East : Quilt Designs from Ancient Japanese Family Crests
Kumiko Sudo
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Applique | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Quilts & Quilting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Textile Arts | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Kake-Jiku: Images of Japan in Applique, Fabric Origami, and Sashiko
Quilting With Japanese Fabrics
Asian Elegance: Quilting With Japanese Fabrics and More (That Patchwork Place)
Harmonies & Hurricanes : Color and Line in Japanese Quilts
Kokoro no Te: Handmade Treasures from the Heart

ASIN: 0844226572

Amazon.com

As a highly skilled fiber artist raised and trained in Japan but residing in the United States for the past decade and a half, Kumiko Sudo brings an interesting combination of Eastern and Western sensibilities to her work. She draws on the ancient Japanese motif of the kamon, or family crest, utilizing these varied designs as the basis for a collection of one-of-a-kind quilts. Yet she fashions them out of materials that, though they have a very Japanese flavor, are actually contemporary American fabrics (and therefore easily approximated by modern stitchers). She provides color photos, setting diagrams, brief basic instructions, and full templates for 30 gorgeous quilt blocks. Quilters seeking a vibrant new take on the traditional Western quilt block should enjoy making these lovely designs. --Amy Handy

Book Description

Presents 30 extraordinary quilt designs derived from crests dating back to more than a thousand years. Centuries-old designs are combined with new, rich color choices and contemporary fabrics for an effect never seen in quiltmaking. Each block is accompanied by the story behind the design and step-by-step instructions.

Customer Reviews:

Perfection!.......2006-05-18

This book is full of beautiful ideas. Most of the projects are small so the "fear of applique" is tempered by the fact that you can make one crest, frame it with beautiful fabric borders and you have a terrific piece of art without having to commit to a huge applique project. But the journey is well worth it - everything I've made with Ms. Sudo's inspirational direction has turned out perfectly. I'm anxious to get started on more!

Circles Of The East.......2005-09-03

This is a great quilt book with wonderful pictures and great instructions..it arrived in plenty of time and in good shape

Wonderful!.......2003-07-17

I saw this book at a quilt store a couple months ago, and IMMEDIATELY fell in love with it. I'm not a big quilter (I also cross-stitch) but I like applique and now I'm doing a queen size one with fifteen of the patterns in this book! It's great!

This book wakes up the artist within........1998-06-25

To say that Kumiko Sudo's Circles of the East is inspirational is an understatement. It is a beautiful book to read, even if you never make one quilt block from it's pages. The whole history of Japanese Crest designs is entertaining enough, but the fact that I could actually replicate Kumiko's art is incredible. I made the Gingko design using my machine with great results although all Kumiko's work is done by hand. Her templates are exact, but she does not include full size placement diagrams. I dreaded getting to the placement part of sewing my block, but it was way easier than I thought...The most interesting aspect of her work to me is her seemingly complete disregard of grainline and total obsession with placement of fabric motifs...it gives her blocks stunning symmetry that I haven't seen anywhere else...really exotic!

The most beautiful & inspiring quilt book I have ever seen........1998-03-20

I accidentally found this book in a quilt shop. I could hardly wait to get started. The photos are awesome, the workmanship is unparalleled and the use of fabrics is inspirational. The book is well written and the instructions are clear.

There are no instructions for Kumiko's method of binding these quilts.

Shibori: The Inventive Art of Japanese Shaped Resist Dyeing
Average customer rating:

The Ultimate in shibori instruction and history

A must have

Great Overview of a Somewhat Obscure Textile Art

One of the best Shibori books written

A "must have" resource book

Shibori: The Inventive Art of Japanese Shaped Resist Dyeing
Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada , Mary Kellogg Rice , and Jane J. Barton
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Textile & Costume | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Dye | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Textile Arts | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Memory on Cloth: Shibori Now

Shibori: Creating Color and Texture on Silk (Crafts Highlights)

The Surface Designer's Handbook: Dyeing, Printing, Painting, and Creating Resists on Fabric

Color by Accident: Low-Water Immersion Dyeing

Shibori: A Beginner's Guide to Creating Color & Texture on Fabric (Diy Network)

ASIN: 4770023995

Book Description

Potential for creating designs in textiles can be seen even in the physical properties of cloth. The simple fact that cloth tightly compressed into wrinkles or folds resists the penetration of dye is an opportunity-an opportunity to let the pliancy of textiles speak in making designs and
patterns.

People around the world have recognized this opportunity, producing resist designs in textiles by shaping and then securing cloth in various ways before dyeing. Yet in no other country has the creative potential of this basic principle been understood and applied as it has in Japan. Here, in fact,
it has been expanded into a whole family of traditional resist techniques, involving first shaping the cloth by plucking, pinching, twisting, stitching, folding, pleating, and wrapping it, and then securing the shapes thus made by binding, looping, knotting, clamping, and the like. This entire
family of techniques is called shibori.

Designs created with shibori processes all share a softness of outline and spontaneity of effect. Spontaneity is shibori's special magic, made possible by exploiting the beauty of the fortuitous things that happen when dye enters shaped cloth.

Usually it is in response to the fact that a craft is being lost that the need for preserving and documenting it arises. The motivation behind this book is no exception, but the authors have gone far beyond simple documentation. Extensive research and experimentation have led to the revival here of
shibori techniques that were once well known but have now been largely forgotten in Japan. In addition to more conventional techniques, the work of contemporary fiber artists in Japan and abroad in shibori textile art and wearable art is presented, to suggest the extent of the creative innovation
possible.

The 104 color and 298 black-and-white plates include a photographic Gallery of Shibori Examples, based on Japan's largest collection of traditional shibori fabrics. Included also are a detailed guide to basic natural dyes used in Japan, the making and care of an indigo vat, and a list of suppliers
in North America, as well as a glossary and bibliography. Now available in paperback, this full documentation of one of the world's most inventive and exciting dyeing techniques continues as a classic in the textile field.

Customer Reviews:

The Ultimate in shibori instruction and history.......2007-05-14

I knew this was "THE" book to have for shibori technique instructions. However, the very pleasant surprise was all the history of shibori! It would be fascinating even if I wasn't intending to learn the technique. The instructions are very clearly presented. I have already tried a couple of the techniques with very good results and I'm only a beginner!

A must have.......2007-05-13

This is an essential tool and starting point for any shibori artist. Exhaustive history and diagrams and examples. I used this book in my fierarts classes and recently purchased it for home studio use.

Great Overview of a Somewhat Obscure Textile Art.......2007-03-06

Shibori is a wonderful craft and this book gives an excellent history of it. Many wonderful historical and contemporary examples are shown. Techniques are given as well, and are for the most part usable. If you do shibori work, this book is essential for your library.

One of the best Shibori books written.......2006-08-08

Being a member of the Seattle Weavers' Guild, I've been lucky enough to have friends teach Shibori and other resist dyeing in our group. This book is terrific and details the 'how to' very well. I'm very pleased to have this book in my library and I have to say the price was excellent.

A "must have" resource book.......2006-07-10

This is an invaluable resource for any textile arts student. Or any shibori enthusiast. Detailed illustrations and exceptional photos help define and identify ancient techniques and MAY encourage elbow-deep participation among the adventurous. Gambatte!

Shoji: How to Design, Build, and Install Japanese Screens

Average customer rating:

Shoji: How to Design, Build, and Install Japanese Screens
Great Starter for Westerners
shoji screens
Shojis on time
A woodworkers guide to shoji for your home

Shoji: How to Design, Build, and Install Japanese Screens
Jay van Arsdale
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Making Shoji
Making Japanese-Style Lamps and Lanterns
The Japanese House: Architecture and Interiors
A Japanese Touch for Your Home
The Complete Japanese Joinery

ASIN: 0870118641

Book Description

Japanese-style shoji screens are translucent, wooden-lattice panels that subtly transform light and space and add an elegant touch to any decor. This book contains all the information you need to design and make shoji for your own home or apartment.

Features
* Notes on aesthetics and design fundamentals
* Complete how-to guide covering basic construction methods, screen materials, and wood selection
* Home projects, including window inserts, sliding and hanging screens, glass panel shoji, double- and single-sided shoji, skylight shoji, decorative wall boxes, and floor and table lanterns
* Introduction to Japanese hand tools and planing and joinery techniques
* Sample lattice patterns, photographs, and line drawings for design and remodeling ideas
* List of suppliers

Customer Reviews:

Shoji: How to Design, Build, and Install Japanese Screens .......2007-05-17

This is an excellent guide to making japanese screens.if you are a beginer or a pro i think youll find this the ideal choice to start off with.

Great Starter for Westerners.......2007-01-10

Can not say enough about this book, it gives you a good start if you know a little about wood, but does not stop there.

If you get this book you'll enjoy that it does not insult your interest by just showing pictures of work only a master could do. It gives the information needed to do your first design plus what you'll need once you understand the methods.

Thanks Jay, you have given me a great new experience.

shoji screens.......2006-11-10

the book was easy to understand. easy to read. a great book , if you want to build a shoji screen this is the book for you. tells you about other uses and other stronger materials to use

Shojis on time.......2006-03-18

The book arrived speedily and in great condition. What more can I ask?

A woodworkers guide to shoji for your home.......2006-02-11

Shoji are really beautiful. There is something wonderful about the light passing through the semi-translucent rice paper, creating an atmosphere that is romantic and relaxing. Having lived in Japanese houses for several years, it was something that I wanted to recreate when I returned to the US.

"Shoji: How to design, build, and install Japanese Screens" was exactly the book I was looking for. Jay van Arsdale has written a simply, comprehensive guide on how to add shoji to an existing house, from very simple screens to much more complicated structures. Its a modern approach to making shoji, rather than bothering with traditional Japanese methods, and is very practical and doable.

The book assumes that you have woodworking skills and tools, and isn't so much a "Beginner's Guide." He gives a list of tools that you will need, mainly a set of chisels, hammers, saws, polishing stones and planes. He does recommend that you invest in Japanese tools, as they are made differently from Western tools and will create a different look in the wood that will be more authentic and aesthetically pleasing. There are a few specialty chisels, specifically the yarinomi and the sokosarae, that will make your shoji-making much more efficient.

The different styles of shoji in the book range from simple shoji, to glass-panel shoji, closet and cabinet screens and lanterns. For the truly ambitious there are instructions for ceiling fixtures and skylights as well as valances and hanging screens. Most of those projects are far removed from my abilities, but a more advanced woodworker will find some inspiring projects.

The photos are all in black-and-white, but there are some beautiful homes on display showing you what you can do with shoji screens. Certainly not everyone has the time and money for that kind of home transfiguration, but it is nice to dream.

Average customer rating:

A knowledgeable and "user-friendly" study of domestic Japanese architecture
Informative Guide! (Adds a touch of logistical reality to creating a dream home)

Building the Japanese House Today

Manufacturer: "Harry N. Abrams, Inc."
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Design & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Japanese House: Architecture and Interiors
Measure and Construction of the Japanese House
Japan Style: Architecture+Interiors+Design
The Japanese Bath
Shoji: How to Design, Build, and Install Japanese Screens

ASIN: 0810959313

Book Description

Built like a piece of fine furniture, the traditional Japanese house is universally admired for its clean lines, intricate joinery, and unparalleled woodworking. Focusing primarily on a new guesthouse in California, this elegant volume shows how a classic Japanese house can be built to offer the warmth and comfort that modern homemakers require.

Len Brackett, rigorously trained as a temple carpenter in Kyoto, has spent decades adapting the ancient Japanese design aesthetic to Western needs. Here he demonstrates step-by-step how both the traditional live-on-the-floor house, as well as models that accommodate furniture, can be constructed to provide such modern essentials as central heating, insulation, computerized lighting systems, and the latest electronics. This practical and inspiring guide-with gorgeous, clear photos and diagrams-is an indispensable resource for those who'd like to live in a Japanese home, for professionals who want to build them, and for any reader who delights in Japan's age-old aesthetic traditions.

Customer Reviews:

A knowledgeable and "user-friendly" study of domestic Japanese architecture.......2006-09-08

Superbly illustrated with photography from Aya Brackett, Building The Japanese House Today by Peggy Landers and Len Brackett is an outstanding collection of beautiful and decorative architectural designs drawn from the Japanese traditional and contemporary architectural ideas and ideals. Deftly co-authored to provide a wealth of usable and informed perspectives, Building The Japanese House Today offers such particulars as preliminary design decisions for building a Japanese home; design directions based on living with or without furniture a chart showing the relative proportions of components of the traditional house; lumber selection, drying and milling; design and construction of a Japanese bath; technical drawings showing how to make traditional architecture conform to western building codes; sources and contacts for materials and craftsmen; and twenty pages of professional plans and diagrams to guide readers through the simple and elegant procedures of construction. A core addition to any professional or academic library Architectural Studies reference collection, Building The Japanese House Today is very highly recommended for non-specialist general readers searching for a knowledgeable and "user-friendly" study of domestic Japanese architecture.

Informative Guide! (Adds a touch of logistical reality to creating a dream home).......2006-02-26

For anyone who has dreamed of building a Japanese style house, this book is a must! The book takes you through the construction of a building from start to finish. All the things the customers and builders had to consider in construction. (From design, to permits, to materials,to assembly and finally finishing) This is a good way to get an idea of what building a traditional or westernized version of a Japanese house would entail, in terms of time and resources. It would also provide a neat book for house design to see the way traditional Japanese design styles have been incorporated to fit into American style homes.

One of the authors, Len Brackett, is the owner of East Wind which does Traditional Japanese Architecture and Woodworking. The beautiful woodwork this company does is extraordinary!! Len spent more than 5 years in Japan as a temple carpentry apprentice. The book also included an interesting chapter describing him time there. For more information on East Wind, (and to get a better idea of what the book describes) try visiting their website eastwindinc.com

Ortho's All About Creating Japanese Gardens (Ortho's All About Gardening)

Average customer rating:

Build Your Japanese Garden and spent your free time golfing
Good for beginners
For inspiration, start here
Great intro
amazingly beautifuls pictures

Ortho's All About Creating Japanese Gardens (Ortho's All About Gardening)
Ortho
Manufacturer: Ortho
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Landscape | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Garden Design | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Japanese Gardens | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Landscape | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Browse Refinements (468240) | Refinements | Home Improvement | Home & Garden | Material (material_browse)

Creating Your Own Japanese Garden
Japanese Gardens in a Weekend: Projects for One, Two or Three Weekends (In a Weekend)
A Japanese Touch for Your Garden
Japanese Gardening in Small Spaces
Styles and Motifs Japanese Gardens

ASIN: 0897214897
Release Date: 2003-01-01

Product Description

BOOK ORTHO GUIDE TO CREATING JAPANESE GARDENS BOOK BOOK

Customer Reviews:

Build Your Japanese Garden and spent your free time golfing.......2007-06-12

I bought serveral books about creating Japanese gardens. This book by far the best one that I had. I built a Japanese style Rock Garden so I don't have to mow my lawn. My back yard is built based on some of the pictures and tips I read from this book. The fun part is that you put in your hard work and built the garden you wanted which pays off when your guests give you thumb up. I spent about $5000 on the materials and hours of my own labor on the project. Now I can spent my weekend golfing instead of mowing my lawn. Ouch! My back still hurting from all the hardwork.

Good for beginners.......2007-04-04

The book is easy to read and explains the whole concept of Japanese gardening. I learned with it and will be using it to plan my Japanese garden. Very pleased customer!

For inspiration, start here.......2007-02-19

I've always wanted to have a Japanese Garden but never got around to doing it. I picked up this book at the library and, WOW, it has really inspired me! Not only am I now drafting up plans to turn a corner of my yard into a Japanese Garden but I showed it to a neighbor and he's thinking of making his backyard into something like the courtyard garden on page 20. I'll probably get a library of books on Japanese Gardening but this book will be the first one I'll buy.

Great intro.......2006-02-01

I got this book from the library and was pleasantly surprised at the details and useful, practical advice on conceiving and executing a japanese garden. The book contains detailed instructions on how to lay out, build, select plans for, and maintain a Japanese-inspired garden. It talks about rocks, rock gardening, ponds, water plants and fish, paths, stepping stones, gates, and plants and plant selections. I found it really helpful in getting ideas to give to our landscape architect. I would recommend this book for anyone that is going to actually build (rather than just enjoy looking at pictures of) a japanese garden.

amazingly beautifuls pictures.......2005-08-02

This book is one of the best I ever buy about gardening and landscaping. The pictures alone worth the price.
They gives details to build your garden, makes pounds and falls and it seems so easy that I am starting my own right now.

They also list the kind of trees and plants to uses.

Buy this book with confidence.

A Japanese Touch for Your Garden
Average customer rating:

The Fundamental of Building Japanese Garden!

Touch ?

Just what you need

Wonderful book

Best Guidebook for Planning Your First Japanese Garden

A Japanese Touch for Your Garden
Kiyoshi Seike
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Garden Design | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Japanese Gardens | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Creating Your Own Japanese Garden

A Japanese Touch for Your Home

Ortho's All About Creating Japanese Gardens (Ortho's All About Gardening)

Japanese Gardens in a Weekend: Projects for One, Two or Three Weekends (In a Weekend)

Japanese Gardening in Small Spaces

ASIN: 4770016611

Book Description

Here is a concise introduction to the practical aspects of making a Japanese garden. Whether your garden is a spacious suburban lot, an office countyard, or a tiny inner-city backyard, you will find here hundreds of creative but time-honored ways to make maximum use of the space you have.

You will learn how to lay stones and pathways and how to create intriguing sand patterns like the ones in Zen temple gardens. You will learn about Japanese lanterns, miniature pagodas, water basins, gates, and walls, and will be shown step by step how to make a bamboo lattice fence. Notes on the
care of bamboo, moss, and grass are provided as are names of native North American plants and trees that can be substituted for conventional Japanese varieties. Schematic layout plans, detailed how-to explanations, and over 130 color photographs of Japanese gardens old and new give you ideas for
endless variations.

Thoroughly up-to-date in its approach and based on the principle that a garden must satisfy the gardener, not a set of inflexible guidelines, this book encourages you to choose freely from the wide range of traditional Japanese design elements that suit your needs and tastes. Whether you live in the
country, city, or somewhere in between, you will discover here numerous ways to transform-simply, inexpensively, and with your own two hands-that back porch, corridor, or yard into an intimate, tranquil oasis, one that will reward your planning and work with a rich and everchanging beauty.

Customer Reviews:

The Fundamental of Building Japanese Garden!.......2007-06-12

This book shows how to use essential elements such as rocks, plants, laterns, and boulders etc., within a space. The diagrams in the book illustrated how to use those elements to balance and compensate each other and make your garden looks much bigger and more appealing to the viewers.

A great book to read before you start your weekend garden project. This book will give you inspiration and give your spirit alift. I built my Japanese Rock Garden after reading this book and other book that I bought "Ortho's All About Creating Japanese Gardens". A great garden will add value to your home so did my garden -- a friend of mine who is a realestate appraiser told me that I must added about $30,000 to my property although I spent only about $5000 on the materials.

Highly recommanded for anyone who are interested about Japanese Garden or do it youself gardener!!!!!

Touch ?.......2005-08-11

I think people have "japanese" gardens or any other type of garden but they for example don't have like english garden with a japanese touch. I don't have this book and i will not buy it, because i want a JAPANESE garden nor mexican-japanese-english-french or anything else garden

Just what you need.......2005-08-02

The title of this book is a bit misleading, in that it does not offer tips on adding a "Japanese touch" to your existing garden, but rather goes about explaining how to create a Japanese-style garden in the space available to you. In this manner, it is an extremely capable guide and leaves you with the confidence that you can accomplish building your own Japanese-style garden.

"A Japanese Touch for Your Garden" tells both the basic elements of a Japanese garden; rocks, plants, water, artificial elements, and also provides a blueprint for laying out and constructing a garden using these elements. Although packed with lovely pictures, the book is straight-forward and bare-boned, giving you the essentials of what you need. The authors briefly touches upon garden philosophy and such, but acknowledges that there are other, thicker books for the esoteric matters and they will focus on the practical.

The different sections of the book deal with things such as stone lanterns, bamboo fences, bridges, plants and trees...basically everything you will need. The focus is one how to select and use these available elements for the existing space you have to work with, and how to maximize them for the effect you want to achieve. The rear of the book also contains a guide of Japanese gardens in the US that you can visit, and suppliers of the various items you may want for your garden.

An excellent book, it is exactly what you need if there is a spare portion of your house or yard where you would like to put a Japanese garden. For a more deeper, spiritual look at Japanese gardens, look elsewhere. But to be inspired and begin construction on your own "World in Miniature," this is the place to start.

Wonderful book.......2005-07-19

This book contains wonderful pictures and offers many ideas for a Japanese style garden or balcony.

Best Guidebook for Planning Your First Japanese Garden.......2003-08-24

Not a coffee table glamour book, not a glossed-over editorial toss-off destined for the remainder bin. This is quite simply the best guidebook for the amateur of the Japanese garden who wishes to try out the concepts at home.

It can be very frustrating to take home some fancy book on Zen gardens, only to find that it contains no real help for creating one. This book's real, step-by-step, practical advice is what anyone is after. It does not pretend to be the end-all of the art, & rather it admits this right from the title (A Japanese TOUCH...) This book will get you the right LOOK.

I found especially useful the diagrams of how to get balance (especially through rocks) within a space. There are some very good illustrations of bamboo fencing, too. Botanical suggestions and lists of suppliers are also helpful, but these lists are not exhaustive. You can achieve the basic framework with this book, though. I have yet to find a better Japanese gardening book... room for improvement is in expanding the above lists and adding practical suggestions for more ambitious, larger landscaping. But this will get you the basics.

Bonus delight is the first entry, a mood-setting piece on one man's contemplation of mountains and forests... all to be found in his tiny Japanese garden.

Grab a copy and use it and love your results!

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