Modern Currents in Japanese Art

The book is the story of world history, the social, and economic development of Japan since the beginning of its modern age in 1868 has been a spectacular episode. That a small insular country in the Far East managed in such a short time to break through the confines of traditional Oriental culture and, with liberal infusions of Occidental elements, to transform itself into a highly industrialized and sophisticated modern nation remains even now a source of astonishment to the world. The present book, written by once of Japan's leading authorities on the subject and generously furnished with 32 illustrations in full color and 114 in black and white, opens for Western readers the rich treasury of Modern Japanese art — the art created during the eventful century that has passed since Japan emerged from isolation to join the world community. Here are works of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and architecture that stand as landmarks among the artistic achievements of a new age.