Japanese Woodblocks: Masterworks

A stunning survey of beautiful Japanese woodblock art, with a focus on that most cherished motif, Mount Fuji a key icon that permeates the culture and backdrops of much of this significant and influential art form. Mount Fuji has been a source of inspiration and awe since ancient times, and artists have been reproducing its likeness since at least the 14th century, as it became a key motif in all aspects of Japanese culture. The 19th century Ukiyo-e woodblock prints of important artists such as Hokusai and Hiroshige continued this reverence, creating series of beautiful images of landscape and society, with the mountain ever-present. With the slight relaxing of Japan's isolationist policies, artists discovered Western art and exploited its styles and perspectives, and, in turn, Western artists from Monet to van Gogh were influenced by the bold and distinctive print style, which filtered into their work. This gorgeous new book discusses the fascinating history of Fuji as featured in these prints, and reproduces numerous examples of the stunning and timeless artworks, some in their complete series. AUTHOR: Michael Kerrigan is author of Asian Art and Modern Art from the 'World's Greatest Art' series, and co-author of The Architecture Style Spotter's Guide along with a great many other books and articles on art, culture and history. He lives in Edinburgh, where he writes regularly for the Scotsman newspaper and is a book reviewer for The Times Literary Supplement and the Guardian. 170 colour illustrations