Antique Japanese Netsuke -Themes Types Dates / Scarce Illustrated Book

Description

Wonderfully illustrated in color, this book provides a pictorial survey of the Japanese netsuke accompanied by concisely rich narrative.
NETSUKE:  STORY CARVINGS OF OLD JAPAN:  SELECTIONS FROM THE COLLECTION OF JOSEPH KURSTIN
by Joseph Kurstin.
Published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Epcot Center, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL from May 11, 1993—May 10, 1997 is an impressive text for, although there are many books and auction catalogs about netsuke, not many reflect the devotion and understanding of an expert collector describing his own specialties.
The color photography throughout is delightful.  The text emphasis is on story—fairy tale, legend and figures from the sacred mythology.  Kurstin puts each piece into the literary context that a wearer from the 17th through the 19th centuries might have held in mind.  Chapters thus treat of ghosts, goblins—and an angel; the symbolic animals of the zodiac, figures related to Zen Buddhism—and much more.  This is a beautiful and fascinating little book, among the best interdisciplinary treatments we have seen concerning netsuke.  This book would make a fine addition to reference library of the netsuke collector, dealer, curator, or student.
6" x 9" softback in very good condition.  103 pages.
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