Japanese art close-up

Beautifully illustrated with an array of Japanese art, this book offers a closer look at the rich variety of styles, decoration, motifs and patterns - and the sheer craftsmanship - of Japanese culture.

Opening with an introduction that asks 'What is Japanese art?', this book presents a selection of striking and fascinating art from Japan, organised into a series of thematic chapters in which the author provides cultural context while pointing out exceptional features.

By showing the complete artwork alongside enlarged details - sometimes virtually invisible to the naked eye - intriguing comparisons can be drawn between seemingly unrelated pieces.

The selection of illustrations evokes the hand and eye of the most accomplished Japanese craftsmen and women past and present.

Offering a superb insight into a wide array of Japanese art, the book highlights - close up and in colour - outstanding examples of design and craft in prints, paintings and screens, metalwork, ceramics, wood, stone and lacquer and will provide endless creative inspiration.