Summer Kimonos and the Colors of Japan: Kimono Collection of Katsumi Yumioka Permalink
Mar 15, 2011
Summer Kimonos and the Colors of Japan: Kimono Collection of Katsumi Yumioka is one of five books by the author devoted to the kimono as fine art. Excellent full-color photographs of antique kimono and obi from the author’s world famous collection reveal the Japanese design sensibility. In this book, the author focuses on the motifs employed in summer kimonos and highlights the materials and methods used to create them. The kimonos represent the range of weaving techniques used to make cool thin summer crepes. Because several colors and motifs may be combined in any kimono, Katsumi Yumioka divides the book into forty-six subdivisions each devoted to a dominant color and motif. Color gradations are separated and paired with distinct motifs such as marigold and autumn flowers and oxblood red and maple leaf.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle: A Novel Permalink
Mar 1, 2011
Haruki Murakami’s The Wind-up Bird Chronicle is riveting. On the very first page a mysterious phone call plunges the reader into a multilayered story that is simultaneously a mystery, a search for meaning, and a historical account. The events of the novel weave through time and space, observed and experienced by the central character, Toru Okada. Murakami’s remarkable literary imagination builds an incredible series of events. Readers accept forays into fantastic realms as plausible because the narrative is grounded in the ordinary reality of Okada’s everyday life.
Material Immaterial: The New Work of Kengo Kuma Permalink
Feb 15, 2011
Kengo Kuma wrote in 2005: “My ultimate aim is to ‘erase’ architecture, because I believe that a building should become one with its surroundings.” He meant that architecture should merge with its environment, become part of the physical surroundings as well as complement its cultural and economic contexts. Kuma’s architecture is a bold counterpoint to the iconic architecture of big, grandiose forms and startling materials such as Frank Gehry’s Museum at Bilbao, Spain. The latter stands out from the background, making a strong statement of its bold and original presence. Kuma concedes that he lost numerous commissions because potential clients want architecture that brings notoriety and elevates and invigorates its surroundings. His modification of approach owed in part to his analysis of the competition among commissions.
The Lonesome Puppy Permalink
Feb 1, 2011
Yoshitomo Nara is an artist for whom childhood has magical appeal. His book, The Lonesome Puppy, is his first book for children. A very big puppy, bigger than anyone could notice, is lonely and has no friends. One day a little girl notices him, climbs the considerable distance up to the puppy’s head and eyes, and over time they become good, close friends. There are drawings of other child-like images: a girl is holding on to the puppy’s tail; a cat-like girl is staring into space; a small version of the big puppy is sailing through space on a kayak-like structure. The theme of the book is complex – the search for friendship and love – yet the simplicity of the drawings and the text make the book something good to hold onto. The book is intriguing to children in large part because they can identify with the friend who has the wit to discover the puppy and the sense of adventure and the skill in climbing onto a gigantic animal. Neither the puppy nor the friend is given names; they are universal, representing a condition of life that affects many people.
The Essential Book of Koi: A Complete Guide to Keeping and Care Permalink
Nov 12, 2010
The Essential Book of Koi: A Complete Guide to Keeping and Care brings together in one volume the expertise of six internationally recognized experts in the world of koi. Their state-of-the-art book provides comprehensive guidance on keeping, breeding, and caring for these beautiful ornamental fish. The lucid text is illustrated with superb full-color photographs some of which provide step-by-step guidance in aspects of koi keeping while others demonstrate the astonishing color variations of koi. Throughout the book, excellent diagrams and graphics clarify a range of topics, including the design and construction of koi ponds, health conditions, and types of koi.
