Contemporary Netsuke

Rutland, VT: Charles E. Tuttle Company, 1987. 3rd printing. Glossy hardcover. FINE. As new - gift quality. Price clipped jacket. Slipcase/packing box has very faint wear. 261 indexed pages. Third printing. 7.5x10.5x1"" Contemporary netsuke has the integrity of the Japanese tradition in workmanship, beauty, and feeling, but integrates new concepts and designs. Miriam Kinsey traces the historical background of the art and goes on to examine its current state. She provides a basic knowledge that every collector needs to judge authenticity, workmanship, and materials along with a wealth of information on subject matter, techniques, scholarly interest, and investment. 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. Among the nearly 200 illustrations are 108 photographs in full color, by Tomo-o Ogita, 51 in black and white, by Tsune Sugimura, 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. International Standard Book No. 0-8048 1159-8