The life of animals in Japanese art

Abstract

A sweeping exploration of animals in Japanese art and culture across sixteen centuries. Few countries have devoted as much artistic energy to the depiction of animal life as Japan. Drawing upon the country's unique spiritual heritage, rich literary traditions, and currents in popular culture, Japanese artists have long expressed admiration for animals in sculpture, painting, lacquerwork, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and woodblock prints. Real and fantastic creatures are meticulously and beautifully rendered, often with humor and whimsy. This beautiful book celebrates this diverse range of work, from ancient fifth-century clay sculpture to contemporary pieces. The catalog is organized into themes, including the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac; animals in Shinto and Buddhism; animals and samurai; land animals, winged creatures, and creatures of the river and sea; and animals in works of humor and parody. Exhibition: National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, USA (05.05.-28.07.2019) / Los Angeles County Museum of Art, USA (08.09.-08.12.2019).

Contents

Prefaces / Robert T. Singer, Kawai Masatomo -- A place for animals in Japanese letters : beasts and beasties - pests, partners, and pets / Tom Hare -- Cultivating compassion and accruing merit : animal release rites during the Edo period / Barbara R. Ambros -- All creatures great and small : Tokugawa Japan and its animals / Federico Marcon -- Plates -- Checklist of works exhibited in Los Angeles.