JAPONISME: CULTURAL CROSSINGS BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE WEST

About this book

"Ever since the very first contact in the sixteenth century, Japan has always possessed an irresistible fascination for the West. The allure was only increased when, in 1638, Japan closed its borders and for over 200 years communications could only be made through a small colony of Dutch traders permitted to live on the tiny island of Deshima in Nagasaki Bay. After 1858, full trade was resumed, and a wave of 'Japanomania' swept across Europe and America." "Lionel Lambourne tells this remarkable story in a fluent and engaging narrative that focuses on the human drama of the personalities involved. This book provides a background to the history of trade with the East, before turning to Europe to describe the excitement as artists - most notably Whistler and the impressionists - discovered the newly arrived Japanese prints and artefacts, and began to incorporate their influence into their work. The story spreads far beyond fine art, however, and follows the Japanese craze into the decorative arts, interior design, furnishings, fabrics and fashion as well as literature and the theatre."--Jacket.