The Art of Japanese Architecture: History / Culture / Design

by David Young, Michiko Young, Tan Hong Yew (Illustrator)

Overview

The Art of Japanese Architecture presents a complete overview of Japanese architecture in its historical and cultural context. The book begins with a discussion of early prehistoric dwellings and concludes with a description of works by important modern Japanese architects. Along the way it discusses the iconic buildings and architectural styles for which Japan is so justly famous—from elegant Shinden and Sukiya aristocratic villas like the Kinkakuji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto, to imposing Samurai castles like Himeji and Matsumoto, and tranquil Zen Buddhist gardens and tea houses to rural Minka thatched-roof farmhouses and Shinto shrines.

Each period in the development of Japan's architecture is described in detail and the most important structures are shown and discussed—including dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The aesthetic trends in each period are presented within the context of Japanese society at the time, providing a unique in-depth understanding of the way Japanese architectural styles and buildings have developed over time and the great variety that is visible today.

The book is profusely illustrated with hundreds of hand-drawn 3D watercolor illustrations and color photos as well as prints, maps and diagrams. The new edition features dozens of new photographs and a handy hardcover format that is perfect for travelers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9784805315040
Publisher:	Tuttle Publishing
Publication date:	03/12/2019
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	456,505
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 7.60(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

David Young was born in the United States and spent his childhood in Sierra Leone, West Africa. After obtaining his Ph.D. from Stanford University, he taught anthropology at the University of Alberta in Canada until he retired in 1999 and moved to Japan to continue his teaching career. Together with his wife, he has conducted research on Japanese aesthetics for many years.

Michiko (Kimura) Young was born in China and raised in Japan. After graduating from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, she moved to the United States and then to Canada, where she worked for many years in the international affairs office at the University of Alberta. She and husband David co-authored The Art of the Japanese Garden. The Youngs now live on Gabriola Island off the west coast of Canada.

Table of Contents

Japanese! Architecture: An Overview 08

Basic Principles 10

Pre-Buddhist Cultures 22

Reconstructed Jomon and Yayoi Settlements 24

The Grand Shrines at Ise 28

Ainu Buildings 34

Early Influences from Korea and China 36

Heijokyo: An Early Capital 40

Horyuji: The Oldest Extant Temple 42

Nara Period Temples 44

Post-Buddhist Shinto Shrines 48

The Heian Period: Developing a Cultural Identity 52

Heian Style Palaces and Mansions 58

Mountain Temples 62

Buddhist Paradise Halls 68

Shinto and Buddhist Architecture Merge 74

Under Samurai Rule: The Way of the Warrior 1185-1600 76

New Principles in Residential Architecture 78

Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji Temples 82

The Way of Tea 88

Feudal Period Temples 94

The Ichijodani Historical Site 96

Castles and Castle Culture 100

Centralized Feudlism: The EDO Period 1600-1868 106

Edo: The Feudal Capital 108

Takayama: An Old Administrative Town 110

Kanazawa: An Important Castle Town 114

Ogimachi: A Remote Farm Village 117

Minka: Rustic Rural Houses 124

Kurashiki: A Rice Merchant Town in Western Japan 132

The Important Role of Kura Storehouses 134

The Mausoleums at Nikko 136

Sukiya Style Villas and Palaces 140

Theaters and Sumo Rings 148

The Meiji Period: Japanese Architecture in Transition 152

Pseudo-Western and Blended Styles 154

New Residential Architecture in a Traditional Style 156

Inns in the Traditional Style 160

Temples and Shrines in the Traditional Style 162

Modern Architecture 166

Glossary 174

Bibliography 175

Photo Credits and Acknowledgments 176