The Art of Japan/Chitralekha Singh and Prem Nath. 1998, 132 p., col. plates, map, $45. ISBN 81-242-0111-0.
Contents: 1. Historical. 2. Ancient Japan. 3. Neolithic period (3000 BC - 552 AD). 4. Asuka period (552-646 AD). 5. Nara period (710-794). 6. Heian period (794-1185). 7. Kamakura period (1185-1333). 8. Muromachi period (1333-1573 AD). 9. Momoyama period (1573-1615). 10. Tokugawa (EDO) period (1610-1807). 11. MEIJI (Modern) period (1807-). 12. Artists of Japan. 13. Art schools and organisations. 14. Art of Japan: influence. 15. Appendix. 16. Bibliography.
"This fascinating and colourful book provides a concise guide to the History of Art in Japan, from the earliest times to the present day. From the cave art of primitive man in Japan, we move to the flowering of art in Japan in UKIYO - E prints of international fame. Whereas the art of painting has been delt with in greater comprehensive details, progress on other arts has been briefly, but substantially, described through the ages.
"Commencing with the geographical and historical background, arts in far eastern country Japan, have been described, according to the ruling periods. In each ruling period (chapters III-XI), alongwith the progress in the art of painting, socio economic culture has been referred to. Chapters XII-XIII have been devoted to the technical aspects of the art of painting; the great masters through different periods, their techniques, important works, their organisation and different art schools.
"The art of Japan, though maintaining its individuality, influence from outside art was exherted on it; from Turkestan, India, China, Korea and vis-a vis the art of Japan greatly influenced the artists of Europe and America, has been shown in chapter XIV. UKIYO-E prints being the most brilliant, impressive and renowned, technique of Japan, has been described in details, as a speciality in the appendix.
"The book will be useful to the students of art and of history; will be of interest to the artists, art educators, connoisseurs, art galleries, museums, historians and archaeologists." (jacket)
[Chitralekha Singh also wrote Paintings of Siva in Indian Art and Drawings of Rajasthan.]