The life of animals in Japanese art
(Book)

Published on the occasion of the exhibition "The Life of Animals in Japanese Art" held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., May 5-July 28, 2019 and the exhibition "Every Living Thing: Animals in Japanese Art" held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, California, September 8-December 8, 2019.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 316-317) and indexes.

A sweeping exploration of animals in Japanese art and culture across sixteen centuries0Few countries have devoted as much artistic energy to the depiction of animal life as Japan. Drawing upon the country's unique spiritual heritage, rich literary traditions, and currents in popular culture, Japanese artists have long expressed admiration for animals in sculpture, painting, lacquerwork, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and woodblock prints. Real and fantastic creatures are meticulously and beautifully rendered, often with humor and whimsy. This beautiful book celebrates this diverse range of work, from ancient fifth-century clay sculpture to contemporary pieces.0The catalog is organized into themes, including the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac; animals in Shinto and Buddhism; animals and samurai; land animals, winged creatures, and creatures of the river and sea; and animals in works of humor and parody.00Exhibition: National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, USA (05.05.-28.07.2019) / Los Angeles County Museum of Art, USA (08.09.-08.12.2019).