Discovering the Arts of Japan is an illustrated history of Japanese art, from prehistoric times through the modern era. The chapters are arranged chronologically, each highlighting a particular historical period and discussing its artistic trends in context.

The authors discuss various forms of representative art objects, highlighting important works of architecture, sculpture, paintings, calligraphy, textiles, ceramics, and more. The book features over 230 captioned photographs from leading museums, temples, and rare private collections. A map of Japan provides readers with a visual reference, and the chronology and timeline, which include other cultures’ milestones as well as those of Japan, enable comparison between Japan’s achievements and developments in other countries.

This concise, handy reference book is perfect for anyone interested in Japanese art, whether they be art history students and enthusiasts or tourists visiting Japan. A comprehensive overview of the major trends in art throughout the history of Japan, Discovering the Arts of Japan includes a select bibliography and list of major museums housing collections of Japanese art. Handsomely presented and easy-to-use, this book offers a valuable introduction to the subject, and encourages further in-depth study of specific periods and art forms.

Tsuneko S. Sadao studied art at the University of California at Berkeley. She has worked as an art consultant to Japanese museums and galleries for many years, and is presently consultant to the Isamu Noguchi Foundation, Inc., in the U.S. and Japan.

Stephanie Wada is Associate Curator of the prestigious Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation and the Mary Griggs Burke collection of Japanese Art in New York. She has taught Asian art at Columbia University and the City University of New York.