Twelve Centuries of Japanese Art from the Imperial Collections

Washington, D.C.: Freer Sackler/Smithsonian, 1997. Book. New. Cloth. First Thus. Folio - over 12" - 15" tall. Washington, D. C., Freer Sackler/Smithsonian, 1997. First thus. Folio. Rich red cloth with gilt lettering embossed on spine and front board, lustrous decorated black on black endpapers, illustrated throughout, 224 pp. Throughout its history, Japan's rulers have revered, treasured, sponsored, and even created beautiful works of calligraphy and painting; indeed, from the Heian period (794-1185) to the 20th century, the emperors of Japan and their courts have been arbiters of taste, patrons, and protectors, as well as participants in the arts. This catalog presents color reproductions-up to 18 1/2 x 13 inches-of 76 paintings and works of calligraphy produced from the 9th through 20th centuries, emphasizing the consistent influence of imperial aesthetics on the development of Japanese art. "The catalog of an exhibition held in the Sackler Gallery to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Freer Gallery, this work brings to light the most important selection of works from the Japanese imperial collections ever shown to the public. Drawn largely from the Museum of the Imperial Collections in Tokyo, they represent the best of the private collections of the Japanese emperors and were mainly assembled by the Meiji emperor (1852-1912). Seventy-six color plates highlight paintings as well as works of calligraphy, half of which were created by emperors themselves, including examples from the Heian (794-1185) and Kamakura (1185-1333) periods. The subject matter also includes portraits, court scenes, flowers, birds, animals, and children."-Library Journal . New in a new dust jacket, protected by a mylar cover..