The motifs are organized according to broad thematic categories such as "the cosmos, heaven and earth" and "animals of the land and sea," among others, allowing for broad reading on a number of topics of interest to a wide variety of readers, including collectors of Asian art and students of Japan.".

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 edition. Excerpt: ... part iv symbols and symbolic objects Fkom the varied number of the art objects of Japan, it is difficult to select only such as are of direct symbolic import, for the artists and designers have drawn untiringly from the realm of legend and symbolic design for the decorative motives of all objects, whatever their use. In order to keep within certain bounds, however, an attempt has been made to restrict the choice of objects described in this section to those of ritual or ceremonial use, and to the attributes of the deities. This, of course, necessitates the omission of such familiar and interesting objects as the inro, or tiered medicine case; the smoker's quaint outfit; the artist's boxes; the tsuba, and other sword furniture, which have been very slightly touched upon in the article on the sword; and, perhaps the most important of all, the netsuke.1 A collection of these last-mentioned exquisitely carved bits of ivory, which were used to prevent the slipping of the pendant purse, biro, or tobacco pouch from the sash or belt, would probably show representations of every legend, symbol, and deity mentioned in this book, but the utilitarian character of their use excludes them under the classification adopted. i Albert Brockhaus. Netsuki. Versuch einer Geschichte der Japanischen Schnitzkunst. Marcus Bourne Huish, ' The Evolution of a Netsuki, ' Transactions and Proceedings of the Japan Society, vn (1897), pp. 2-16. Henri L. Joly, Legend in Japanese Art, article, "Netsuke." takara-bune (Ship of Good Fortune) On the second day of the New Year, the symbol-loving Japanese place under their pillows slips of paper having representations of the Tdkara-bune drawn upon them, with the prayer that this Ship of Good Fortune may come into port on the...

A handy sourcebook of 400 Japanese-style motifs – one of the most stylish genres of illustration and ideal for all kinds of creative work. The motifs cover Japanese animals, from cranes and Koi carp to cats and dragons; Japanese plants, such as cherry blossom and bamboo, plus Japanese patterns that range from the simple to the elaborately exotic. The stunning hand-drawn motifs – which are all included on the accompanying CD – are ideal for all those working creatively. Whether you are a quilter, embroiderer, woodworker, designer or general crafter, there is a motif for you here.

This versatile collection of 360 traditional Japanese designs and motifs are drawn in clean, crisp, black-and-white lines while still preserving the original spirit and subtlety of detail.

This book presents over 600 traditional Japanese motifs, ranging from ukiyo-e, ghost stories, kamon and Noh plays to traditional patterns, which include introductions of their cultural backgrounds. It also showcases outstanding graphic works inspired by and integrated with specific motifs, and features interviews with distinguished designers, aiming to provide an insight into the traditional Japanese culture through contemporary design.