Japanese netsuke-miniature carvings-are profiled in this wonderful Japanese arts book.These tiny masterpieces of sculpture (mostly in ivory and wood), of lacquer, and of metalwork captivated collectors with the charm of their conception, the intricacy of their detail, and the sheer tactile pleasure of handling them. Basically they were utilitarian in purpose, serving as toggles or pendants to support medicine boxes, tobacco pouches, and similar articles suspended b...

With dozens of photos and illustrations, A Introduction to Netsuke is a readable and thorough guide to Japanese miniature art.Among the many Japanese fine arts, few have aroused greater admiration than the netsuke. This miniature piece of Japanese sculpture, approximately 1 1/2 inches in size, was designed (in the absence of pockets on kimonos) as an aid in suspending articles such as tobacco pouches from the sash of a kimono. It developed in ancient times...

"The best things in an artist's work are so much a matter of intuition, that there is much to be said for the point of view that would altogether discourage intellectual inquiry into artistic phenomena on the part of the artist." Thus writes Harold Speed in the very first line of his introduction to the book in which deconstructs the process of drawing by subjecting it to lucid intellectual inquiry. Published in 1913, "The Practice and Science of Drawing" balances its practical advice with...

A fascinating written exploration of the superhero phenomenon, from its beginnings in the depths of Great Depression to the blockbuster movies of today.For over 90 years, superheroes have been interrogated, deconstructed, and reinvented. In this wide-ranging study, Robb looks at the diverse characters, their creators, and the ways in which their creations have been reinvented for successive generations. Inevitably, the focus is on the United States, but the context is international...

Batik: Fabled Cloth of Java is richly illustrated with color plates of the finest antique and contemporary batik from thirty museums and private collections around the world.From the royal courts of Yogyakarta and Cirebon to the coastal towns of Pekalongan, Surabaya and Lasem, Inger McCabe Elliot takes the reader on a spellbinding tour of Java's north coast examining the customs, cultures and craftsmanship that distinguishes its magic cloth.Bat...

In Fables in Ivory, delightful Japanese legends are accompanied With dozens of color photographs and extensive historical background.To introduce netsuke sculptures to a wider audience and, at the same time, to tell some of the legends that inspired their creators, Adrienne Barbanson presents here a collection of superb photographs accompanied by a narrative text designed to enhance the reader's appreciation of this remarkable by relatively unfamiliar art....

This unique series of paintings takes the viewer on a graphic, visionary journey through the physical, metaphysical, and spiritual anatomy of the self. From anatomically correct rendering of the body systems, Grey moves to the spiritual/energetic systems with such images as "Universal Mind Lattice," envisioning the sacred and esoteric symbolism of the body and the forces that define its living field of energy.Includes essays on the significance of Grey's work by Ken Wilber, the emi...

With dozens of color photographs and fun, informative text, this guide to Japanese otafuku is a delight for collectors or Japanese culture enthusiasts.Anywhere you go in Japan you are likely to encounter the plump, smiling image of Otafuku. Author Amy Sylvester Katoh traces the roots and folk beginnings of this mythic figure, showing Otafuku's many delightful identities, and providing a magical glimpse into this charming character who has become a national icon.

This is the long-awaited compendium of Lewis Baltzs writings from 1975 until 2007, drawn from his critical writing for magazines such as Art in America, the Times Literary Supplement, LArchitecture dAujourdhui and Purple. The book includes Baltzs texts on Edward Weston, Walker Evans, Robert Adams, Michael Schmidt, Allan Sekuka, Chris Burden, Thomas Ruff, Barry Le Va, Jeff Wall, Félix González-Torres, John McLaughlin, Slavica Perkovic and Krzysztof Wodiczko, among others. This important public...

A not-so-mini trendThe Gardening in Miniature Prop Shop is the next big thing for the crafters and gardeners already captivated by gardening small. Organized by playful themes—including gardens around the world, holidays, and fantasy gardens—it’s a fun-filled guide to creating one-of-a-kind gardens and the accessories that make them shine. Thirty-seven projects are included with fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions. For a Japanese garden, you will ...

Forover fifty years, The Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Coins has been the bestselling sourcebook for collectors. Filled with the most current values and the latest market reports, this updated edition has all the information you need to become a knowledgeable coin collector.Features Include:• Over 18,000 prices• Values for every U.S. coin ever minted• An updated market review that traces current trends in collecting ...

Containing photographs of everyday, antique objects along with insightful commentary, Things Korean is a useful guide to traditional life in Korea.O-Young Lee, former Korean Minister of Culture gives us a survey of native objects from Korea, from totems(Changsung) to hair-pins(binyo), crock pots(Changdokdae) to temple bells(Jong), scissors(Kawi) to graves(mudon) explaining their significance and place in everyday Korean life.Each item in the book i...