Contemporary Netsuke is an in-depth study of Japanese netsuke—miniature sculptures that are favorites of collectors and artists. In this unusual and engaging Japanese art book the author traces the historical background of netsuke and goes on to examine its current state, at the same time providing the background knowledge that every collector needs concerning authenticity, workmanship, and materials along with a wealth of information on subject matter, techniques, scholarly interest, and investement. Over 110 signatures and brief biographies of present-day netsuke and okimono carvers are included, and there are close-up studies of 27 leading artists. Contemporary Netsuke also includes nearly 200 illustrations, a photo essay showing the creation of a netsuke, and numerous sketches picturing legendary themes. A comprehensive list of dealers, a bibliography, and a glossary-index complete this authoritative, thorough and lively introduction to one of the oldest and newest of Japan's living arts.

Netsuke, the carved toggles used to fasten a small container to a kimono sash, made from ivory, wood, porcelain, and more, are among the most popular Asian antiques. Over 970 vivid images of netsuke are shown, representing Japanese life, customs, religion, professions, art, history, and legends. The netsukes are organized by subject, allowing readers to rapidly find those that interest them most. The succinct text introduces, defines, and describes the various types of netsukes and helps identify the subjects represented. Additionally, important evaluating tips are provided, along with a bibliography. This book is a must for anyone interested in Oriental art

An American woman, Page Queenan, lives and teaches in Kyoto, Japan. She meets a wealthy Japanese man, Kenji Tanaka, and quickly becomes involved with him, only to be drawn into his world- a world where money is no problem, or is it? Page suspects Kenji is being followed, and her suspicions become reality when he is kidnapped. Some quick thinking and detective work on her part helps to end the kidnapping, but the drama doesnt end there. Page and Kenjis relationship causes his family to question whether Page is only interested in Kenjis money, and if she was possibly involved in the kidnapping. His family gradually comes to realize the seriousness of Kenjis commitment to Page, but Page continues to have doubts that they will ever accept a gaijin as a suitable partner for their only son. They travel to Okinawa, London, and Boston, and their whirlwind romance becomes a strong and passionate union. Flying First class, staying in five star hotels, receiving jewelry from Cartier, and dresses from Chanel, is something Page has never experienced before, but even money cant shield her from what is to come. Page and Kenji are determined to stay together as they deal with an attempted murder, accusations of infidelity, and revenge from an unexpected source, but being accepted in Kenjis world could prove to be Pages most difficult challenge of all.

Featuring dozens of Japanese netsuke masterpieces and extensive commentary, this Japanese art book is a treasured collector's item. Netsuke are superb miniature carvings, usually less than two inches high, that have been created by Japanese artists for over three hundred years. During that time, they have portrayed almost every aspect of life and culture in Japan. These tiny carvings were traditionally used to prevent the cord attached to a gentleman's medicine box or tobacco pouch from slipping through the belt of his kimono. Today they are highly collectible works of art. Netsuke: Japanese Life and Legend in Miniature presents over seventy full-page color photographs of netsuke in enchanting settings. The accompanying text gives technical details about the netsuke as well as interesting commentaries relating the pieces to Japanese life and legend. Information on the carvers has also been provided whenever possible.

The award-winning Rough Guide to Japan makes the ideal travel companion to one of the world's most unique and dynamic countries. In full colour throughout, this opinionated guide is packed with essential information on the latest and best places to sleep, eat, party and shop, as well as pointers on etiquette and other cultural niceties. From neon-soaked Tokyo to temple-studded Kyoto and snow-topped Mount Fuji, all of the major travel hotspots are covered in full, while the guide also points the way to off-the-beaten-track gems - take a live-volcano hot spring on Kyushu island, go diving in tropical Okinawa, or wind your way through mountain traverses in the Japan Alps. Gain a richer understanding of the country through chapters on Japan's history, religions, arts, movies and music plus coverage of pressing environmental issues. There are maps of all the main tourist destinations, together with easy-to-read colour transport maps covering the Tokyo and Osaka train and subway systems. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Japan. Now available in ePub format.

In Kiss of the Geisha, Page and Kenji Tanaka are enjoying a passionate life together following their whirlwind courtship, when they are drawn into a mysterious murder. Page is teaching part time at Kyoto University when a fellow professor dies of poisoning from the deadly puffer fish, fugu. Several other men have died in the same way, and Page begins to suspect that the professor was murdered because of his research into Japanese war crimes involving the dead men. Page is tutoring a young Japanese girl who is training to become a geisha. This young girl becomes involved in the killings when she overhears a conversation between her geisha mother and her geisha mothers patron. Page and Kenji travel to Europe, but when they return, the threat of danger still hangs over them. Page realizes that having all the money she could ever need doesnt make her immune to that danger. She knows that someone wants to silence her, possibly forever, and she must rely on Kenji and her friends to save her. Kyoto, Tokyo, Kamakura, and Osaka are the settings for Kiss of the Geisha where every day life in Japan presents some interesting challenges for Page. Some familiar characters from Kyoto Connection return in this second book in the continuing series.

The Rough Guide Snapshot to Kyoto and Nara includes Kyoto International Manga Museum, Kinkaku-ji and Todai-ji The Rough Guide Snapshot to Kyoto and Nara is the ultimate travel guide to these Japanese prefectures. The guide leads you through the regions with reliable information and comprehensive coverage of all the sights and attractions, from Kinkaku-ji to the Kyoto International Manga Museum and Ine fishing village to Todai-ji. Detailed maps and up-to-date listings pinpoint the best cafés, restaurants, hotels, shops, bars and nightlife, ensuring you make the most of your trip, whether passing through, staying for the weekend or longer. Also included is the Basics section from the Rough Guide to Japan, with all the practical information you need for travelling in and around Kyoto and Nara, including transport, food, drink, costs, health, festivals and culture and etiquette. Also published as part of the Rough Guide to Japan. Full coverage: Kyoto Around Kyoto Nara Around Nara

This reference work covers general works, ornament, folk art, arms and armour, ceramics, clocks and automata, costumes, enamels, furniture, glass, leather, metalwork, musical instruments, textiles, dolls and more. Essentially a new work rather than a revision, this annotated bibliography on the history of applied and decorative arts includes over 3000 descriptive entries on books written in western European languages. More than 1000 of these entries are new to the second edition, and approximately half are titles published since 1977. The remainder represent a significant expansion in breadth and depth of the bibliography, with the addition of nearly 500 titles of exhibition and museum catalogues and price guides.