Collecting Japanese Antiques Permalink
Collecting Japanese Antiques is the book of choice for lovers of Japanese art and culture, and for aficionadas and collectors of Japanese antiques. Written by Alistair Seton, who has lived in Japan since 1972, the book is an authoritative survey of Japanese art, antiquities and cultural artifacts. It provides a comprehensive overview of art and culture as well as practical advice and guidance for collectors. Seaton who currently teaches Japanese art and poetry founded Daruma in 1993 the only English language quarterly magazine dedicated to Japanese art and antiques. The author’s deep knowledge is evident in the thirteen chapters devoted to specific classes of antiques: screens and scrolls, ukiyo-e and prints; sagemono, ceramics, furniture, textiles, lacquerware, cloisonné, sculpture and metalwork, swords and armor, tea ceremony utensils, dolls, and flower baskets. Seaton describes each category of collectibles in clear language illustrated with remarkable photographs drawn from major museums, galleries, and private collections.
The initial chapter of Collecting Japanese Antiques introduces readers to Japan’s art heritage and history, beginning with Jomon Culture of 1000 B.C. A timeline highlights major events and cultural and artistic landmarks. The text, accompanied by splendid photographs, explores topics ranging from “The Impact of Zen” and “The Golden Age of Screens” to “Gardens,” No Theater” to “Artistic Experiments” and “New Edo Arts.” Under a subtitle, “Non-Portable Arts; Tea Drinking,” Seton writes: “Wabicha Tea masters … moved away from imported utensils … seeking locally made ladles and pots … This led to the growth of new ceramic forms …” The author explains that the tea ceremony came to epitomize the values of simplicity and restraint which suffuse much of Japanese art and culture.
The second chapter of Seaton’s book deals with topics of special interest to collectors and aspiring collectors. Based on his personal experience as a collector, Seaton argues that collectors should buy objects that speak to their personal aesthetic sensibility. However, he aims to protect the novice from the pitfalls of collecting by providing information on pricing, price trends, investment, and the reasons for and pleasures of collecting. His buyer’s checklist identifies basic questions that every collector should ask prior to a purchase. This introduction to collecting is supplemented in succeeding chapters devoted to specific classes of antiques. Each chapter includes information about developing collections, lists of artists, notable regions and schools as well particularly desirable objects in each class. Seaton looks at old things with a collector’s eye. He aims to provide historical information, technical information related to materials, workmanship, and production as well as analysis regarding areas in which collecting is feasible. His advice is essential to collectors in appreciating and assessing value and in making judgments regarding age and authenticity.
Seaton treats each class of objects in a unique way. For example, in the chapter devoted to flower baskets, he first provides historical background and then deals with information relevant to those interested in collecting bamboo. He explores regional basket styles, basketry materials and techniques, and collecting baskets. To help readers, Seaton reproduces information reprinted in Daruma that identifies principal basket artists and their hometowns. He tells readers that similar art names suggest training links and that II or III after a name may indicate children or students. Exquisite photographs of a broad sampling of flower baskets, each annotated, illustrate the range of objects available within the class. This type of information is crucial to aspiring collectors.
This beautifully produced 4.4 pound coffee table-book concludes with an extensive bibliography, index, and acknowledgments that identify the museums, galleries, and private collectors whose objects are reproduced in the book. For those who love Japanese art and fine craft and those interested in collecting, this book stands alone for its scholarly text, extraordinary photographs, discerning taste, and diverse examples. Collecting Japanese Antiques stimulates the appreciation of the many accessible objects that can be collected.
