Composition with books, Furuya Korin, The essence of flowers, Kyoto, 1905 (rp-p-2005-574). Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM.- The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are jointly organising a presentation entitled Japanese illustrated books from the 17th - 20th century to be held in the print room of the Van Gogh Museum from 12 October. Around 60 different illustrated books and several related prints demonstrate the Japanese artists’ view of illustration as a worthwhile artistic challenge. In addition to landscapes and famous locations, the presentation also shows depictions of flowers, plants, animals, customs, ceremonial events and erotica. Spectacular books showing – often remarkably modern – designs for kimono fabric and ceramics will also be on display.
Japanese books and their covers, arranged thematically and chronologically in this presentation from the 17th through to the 20th century, highlight the originality of the Japanese art of illustration. The images are surprising and imaginative, both in terms of colour and composition and are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, yet recognisable to Western eyes. Lire la suite http://www.artdaily.com/section/news/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=21538