The Art of East Asia

Asian Art. History, Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Calligraphy and more. FREE first two chapters in the trial version. This comprehencive ebook is perfectly organized. The text is accessible and interesting.

I'm currently taking my first course in Asian Art history, and I wish we were using this text! The Art of East Asia is eloquently and insightfully written and stunningly produced. The authors do an excellent job of bringing the art into the historical and cultural contexts of the time periods when it was produced. The color photographs are plentiful, large, and beautifully printed -- this is an important point, as black and white photos fail to capture the details of either fine brushwork or three dimensional pieces. This book is a tremendous value; it is far superior to other volumes costing almost twice as much. The only limitation to be aware of is that it does not include the art of India.

The entire book is a mine of information complemented by wonderful photographs. It is perhaps the best introduction to an ancient and profound culture. The Japanese and Korean section is a must for any person seriously interested in trying to understand what is a complex and usually inaccessible subject. In particular the masterful text on Japan by Michael Dunn illuminates the often misunderstood area of the overwhelming influence of Zen on Japanese Art. He should be encouraged to write in more detail on subjects with which he has such a commanding knowledge and insight.

This book manages to present East Asian art without mystification, but also without academic stuffiness.An extraordinary combination! If you want an accessible (but not vulgar) introduction to the subject that will whet your appetite for more, this is the book. The illustrations are exceptional. It's incredible that the publisher can put this kind of quality out for the price.

This fabulous 2 volume set is a must for any Asiaphile and a great gift item or a wonderful addition to any coffee table or art book collection. The hard sleeve is covered in exquisite detailing from a pair of Edo Period screens by Kano Chikanobu, the two volumes filled with full color photos of hundreds of treasures from throughout Asia. My favorite is the section on Japan. It is written by a well known Tokyo collector-dealer with a clear passion for the objects of his work. His appreciation of Japanese paintings and easy writing style transforms the reader's understanding, allowing easy access to a new level of appreciation for Japanese art. He writes in detail and yet with a simplicity that captures the imagination and informs. The process of learning in these pages hangs in the void between vicarious and direct experience. Highly recommended.