Accompanying an exhibition organized by the Japan society, this book offers an aesthetic and cultural approach to the appreciation of traditional Japanese design through a selection of utilitarian objects of lacquer, ceramics, metalwork, basketry and textiles. They range from humble tools for farmers to spectacular arms and armour. These objects are divided into five areas of taste: Kodai (antiquity); Soboku (rustic simpllicity); Iki (chic); Karei...