Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Kindai Kendo Meicho Taikei 14vol 40 great works included 1986

Title Kindai Kendo Meicho Taikei
Publication year 1986

This is an extremely rare Kendo book titled Kindai Kendo Meicho Taikei.It is composed of 14 volumes.The original retail price is approx $1500.

The preface to this book says,"This book compiles more than 40 works selected carefully from among representative Kendo books,which have been published over the past 70 years(from the Meiji period to the early Showa period)."


http://www.japanese-book.com/

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Twin Peaks:The Finest of Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy Wang Xizhi, Ouyang Xun, Su Shi, Kukai, Ono no Tofu, Hon'ami Koetsu

Title Twin Peaks:The Finest of Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy
Publication year 2006

Fortunately,some pages including list of works are written in English.Approx 180 works by famous calligraphers from Japan and China are included.All works are shown in full color.

In this unique exhibition, works by Wang Xizhi, Ouyang Xun, Su Shi, Kukai, Ono no Tofu, Hon'ami Koetsu, Ryokan and others transcend time and distance to appear together in one showing.

Shaping Faith Japanese Ichiboku Buddhist Statues

Title Shaping Faith Japanese Ichiboku Buddhist Statues
Publication year 2006

This catalogue has been issued in conjuction with the exhibition shaping faith Japanese ichiboku buddhist statsues held at the Tokyo National Museum in 2006

Fortunately,some pages including the foreword are written in English.

"Shaping Faith," an exhibition of ichiboku carving at the Tokyo National Museum Heisei-kan, displays the finest examples of the art form from the seventh until the 19th century, borrowed from temples around Japan. Most are of Bodhisattvas or various guardian deities who are usually trampling on some grimacing demon who dared to challenge Buddhist teachings.

Features the tradition of carving Buddhist sculptures out of single wood blocks, where the Japanese spiritual belief was combined with Buddhist faith.

Ultimate Figure The World of Alflex Zan

Title Ultimate Figure The World of Alflex Zan
Publication year 2004

This is a very rare catalogue including 42 figures by Alfrex.All figures are shown in full color.A good and indispensable reference book to fans of Alflex figure.
Unfortunately,this company go bunkrupt in 2005 and it won't be republised.Recommended one!

The Art of Sofu Sogetsu-ryu Ikebana Book by Teshigahara Sofu Photo by Ken Domon


Title The Art of Sofu
Publication Year 1978
Photo by Ken Domon or Yasuhiro Ishimoto

This is a rare and oversized Ikebana book by Sofu Teshigahara 1st iemoto of Sogetsu-ryu Ikebana.

Fortunately,some pages including the foreword are written in English.

In the preface to this book,Kenzo Tange says,"The Art of Sofu is a comprehensive collection of the full spectrum of Mr.Teshigahara's artistic activities.


Its publication coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Sogetsu School,thus adding to its significance.Reading this book,we may look forward to the further development and deepening of his art." 

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Sesshu Master of Ink and Brush 50th Anniversary Exhibition Catalogue

Title Sesshu Master of Ink and Brush,50th Anniversary Exhibition
Publication Year 2002

The English foreword says,"In the eighty-odd years of his life,Sesshu established a unique personal style characterized by strenghth of touch and and solidity of composition that produced a legacy of masterpices including the Long Landscape Scroll,amd the View of Amanohashidate.

This special exhibition is the first major exhibition of Sesshu's work since the 450th anniversary of his death.As a matter of course ,it includes the master paintere's own best known works,but we are also fortunate to be able to include several paintings signed with characteres formely pronounced Sessho,who could have been the young Sesshu."



http://www.japanese-book.com/

Monday, August 31, 2015

Kotetsu Taikan Representative Japanese Swordsmith


Title Kotetsu Taikan
Preface by Honma Junji

This is a rare and deluxe Japanese sword book focusing on Nagasone Kotetsu,who was a representative Japanese swordsmith in Edo period.It includes 195 Oshigata selected carefully by The Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords.Not only Kotetsu's works but also Okisato's works(Katcyu or guards) are included.It can be said that it is a definitive edition including all exisiting material.If it were not for it,it would be impossible to study Nagasone Kotetsu and his works.