John Carpenter
Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Book Recommendations:
Recommended by John Carpenter
“Tsuji Nobuo’s encyclopedic, authoritative, and insightful survey of the history of Japanese art―informed by over six decades of groundbreaking research―is presented in a lively and eminently readable translation by Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere, his trusted colleague and an expert on Japanese culture in her own right.” (from Amazon)
The leading authority on Japanese art history, from earthenware figurines in 13,000 B.C. to manga and modern subcultures, tells the story of how the country has nurtured unique aesthetics, prominent artists, and distinctive movements. Discussing Japanese art in various contexts, including interactions with the outside world, Tsuji Nobuo sheds light on works ranging from the Jōmon period to modern and contemporary art. Tsuji’s perspective, using newly discovered facts, depicts critical aspects of paintings, ukiyo-e, ceramics, sculpture, armor, gardens, and architecture, covering thousands of years. This book, the first translation into English of Japan’s most updated, reliable, and comprehensive book on the history of Japanese art, is an indispensable resource for all those interested in this multifaceted history.