The life of animals in Japanese art / edited by Robert T. Singer, Kawai Masatomo ; with essays by Barbara R. Ambros, Tom Hare, Federico Marcon ; and contributions by Arakawa Masaaki [and 23 others]
Published on the occasion of the exhibition "The Life of Animals in Japanese Art" held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., May 5-July 28, 2019, and the exhibition "Every Living Thing: Animals in Japanese Art" held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, California, September 8-December 8, 2019.
Contents:
Prefaces / Robert T. Singer, Kawai Masatomo -- A place for animals in Japanese letters : beasts and beasties - pests, partners, and pets / Tom Hare -- Cultivating compassion and accruing merit : animal release rites during the Edo period / Barbara R. Ambros -- All creatures great and small : Tokugawa Japan and its animals / Federico Marcon -- Plates -- Checklist of works exhibited in Los Angeles
Summary:
A sweeping exploration of animals in Japanese art and culture across sixteen centuries. Few countries have devoted as much artistic energy to the depiction of animal life as Japan. Drawing upon the country's unique spiritual heritage, rich literary traditions, and currents in popular culture, Japanese artists have long expressed admiration for animals in sculpture, painting, lacquerwork, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and woodblock prints. Real and fantastic creatures are meticulously and beautifully rendered, often with humor and whimsy. This beautiful book celebrates this diverse range of work, from ancient fifth-century clay sculpture to contemporary pieces. The catalog is organized into themes, including the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac; animals in Shinto and Buddhism; animals and samurai; land animals, winged creatures, and creatures of the river and sea; and animals in works of humor and parody. Exhibition: National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, USA (05.05.-28.07.2019) / Los Angeles County Museum of Art, USA (08.09.-08.12.2019).
