Japonisme

Description

Coined by a French art critic in 1876, the term Japonisme was used to describe the craze for all things Japanese. Van Gogh copied Ukiyo-e prints, and art nouveau potters introduced flowing, organic themes, first seen in Japanese ceramics. This book presents a broad survey of the West’s extraordinary love affair with Japan, beginning with the first contacts in the sixteenth century, and culminating in the artistic frenzy that swept Europe and America in the second half of the nineteenth century. For the first time, Lionel Lambourne also uncovers the countercurrent of Western influence on Japan. The book reviews not only the fine and the decorative arts but also interior decoration, costume and fashion accessories, literature and the theatre, travel, and gardens and plantsLionel Lambourne was head of paintings at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, from 1986–1993. He has traveled widely as curator of exhibitions in Britain, Germany and Japan, and has had a long-standing interest in the dialogue between Japan and the West. His books include The Aesthetic Movement (1996) and Victorian Painting (1999), both published by Phaidon.

“Beautiful and revelatory… A celebration of the West’s love affair with Japan and that country’s reciprocal interest in the West… Sumptuous illustrations.”—Metro

“The perfect introduction to a fascinating and visually stimulating subject.”—Frank Whitford, Art Quarterly

“A gorgeously illustrated account of an ongoing – and extraordinarily fruitful – affair between Japan and the West.”—V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum Magazine

“A fluent and engaging narrative… With his inimitable style and his rich store of well-chosen anecdotes, the author brings the personalities to life, and conveys a vivid impression of the enthusiasm that Japonisme generated… With its lively text full of human interest and closely supported by a wealth of beautiful illustrations, Japonisme will provide the perfect introduction to this popular subject for the widest possible audience, and will also be a valuable reference source for teachers and students.”—The Good Read