This is a comprehensive study of the inro, the small lacquer container used by Japanese men wearing traditional dress to carry items in daily use, drawing on the V&A's collection. Suspended from the belt by means of a netsuke and originally intended to hold a seal and ink or a supply of medicines, the inro gradually developed as a highly decorative dress accessory and became an object of high fashion, which is now prized by collectors. The majority of inro were made of lacquer, and include some of the finest and most innovative examples of the Japanese lacquerer's craft. The book traces the diverse origins of the inro from around 1600 until the early-20th century, and includes sections on construction and techniques of manufacture, on materials used, as well as on individual craftsmen, with photographs of their signatures. The sources of inro designs are explored, from paintings, ukiyoe prints and woodblock-printed books, with many examples illustrated. Methods of dating are also discussed, making this a useful reference for collectors and experts, while those with a general interest in Japanese art should be drawn to the craftsmanship of the individual pieces.

For collectors who have discovered the delights of such miniature Japanese art forms as theinroand thenetsuke, this authoritative and enlightening book offers a wealth of valuable information. That it also affords entry to a world of fascinating design and superb craftsmanship goes without saying. In addition to illustrating in color and discussing in detail 108 distinguished inro and their accompanyingnetsuke, as well as 18 related miniature objects, it presents highly informative essays on the making ofinro, on pearl shell inlays, and, in particular on the materials and techniques of lacquer art, the last of these with 62 color photos. It also furnishes an extensive list of lacquer artists' signatures with 386 photos. It is refreshing to have an author tell his readers not only what his book is but also what it is not. In his introduction Bushell says: "This book is addressed to the collector ofinro, netsuke,and other forms of miniature Japanese art, with emphasis on works in lacquer. Its purpose is specific and limited. It is not a comprehensive study of lacquer. It is not a historical survey, a technical analysis, a comparative examination, or a compendium of terms and definitions. In point of time it is limited to the Tokugawa, Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods. In point of craft it is limited to the later development of precise and sophisticated techniques, with their brilliant decorative effects." Bushell points out that he is not making an unnecessary emotional appeal in praise of lacquer. His objective is far more practical. This book is the product of his efforts to understand the structure underlying the beauty of lacquer art and to provide clear and simple explanations. Because other books on the subject had not satisfied him, he undertook his own basic research, and here he presents the information he acquired through painstaking study with master lacquer craftsmen and other authorities.

This illustrated publication presents about 250 Inro from the Anna and Christian Trumpf collection of Inro, small, multipartite receptacles for seals and medicine, which were attached to a belt with the aid of a toggle (Netsuke), came into use in the sixteenth century and remained a prominent accessory in Japanese menswear until the late nineteenth century.

'We Japanese', is a collection of answers to questions that the author as a hotel manager in Japan has answered for hotel guests over the years. He was the manager for over 28 years at the Fujiya Hotel at Miyanoshita. These are naturally questions concerning those things which are different in Japan from the countries from which the visitors come. First published in 2006. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Polymer clay is probably the most versatile, most enjoyable craft medium of them all. It can be sculpted, carved, molded, stamped, textured, sanded, and then baked in a regular oven. How easy is that? Now Polymer Pizzazz makes working with polymer clay even more fun and rewarding--by introducing beginners to basic tools and techniques, then presenting 25 beautiful jewelry projects. With clear step-by-step instructions and helpful color photography, anyone can learn to make bold, bright beads, playful fish-shaped pendants, elegant faux stone necklaces, and much more!