In the late 19th century, the discovery by European artists of the long Japanese tradition of woodblock prints — including the famed ukiyo-e, “pictures of the floating world” — sparked the Art Nouveau movement. Le Japon Artistique: Japanese Floral Pattern Design in the Art Nouveau Era is a new release from Chronicle Books that handsomely depicts this fascinating episode in cultural cross-pollination.
From its Japanese stab binding (particularly appropriate, given the subject matter) to its lovely reproductions of classic woodblock prints by important Japanese artists, Le Japon Artistique reveals how Art Nouveau was influenced by, and in turn became an influence in, traditions that began in the 17th century and continued into the 20th.
A fine introductory essay by Rachel Saunders (of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) provides background and context for the exchange of floral pattern artistry that played such an important role in both Japanese and Western movements.
This book will be valued by anyone with an interest in Japanese woodblock art, floral patterns and the history of art. And its design makes it a fine gift for discerning collectors of art books. [TB]
Beautiful!